Brussels, 03/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - During the evening of Monday 2 February, the European Union criticised the same day's decision by a court in Egypt to sentence 183 people to death after a mass trial “in violation of Egypt's human rights international obligations”. “We call on the Egyptian judicial authorities to ensure that due legal process is followed, in line with international standards”, stated the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.
The court confirmed the death penalty for 183 of the 188 Muslim Brotherhood supporters who were sentenced to death in December 2014 for having killed 13 police officers in August 2013 when they were part of a crowd that attacked a police station. The EU expressed its concern in December, calling for “a fair and timely trial based on clear charges and proper and independent investigations” (see EUROPE 11211). Two of the accused were acquitted, one was given ten years in prison and the other two people accused have died. Those who have been sentenced can appeal.
Mogherini's spokesperson reiterated that the EU is opposed to capital punishment under all circumstances and that the death penalty is “cruel and inhuman, failing to act as a deterrent” and “representing a denial of human dignity and integrity”.
The German foreign minister stated that Germany was “deeply concerned” by this decision, and he added that he had “clear expectations” that the death sentences would not be carried out. (CG)