Brussels, 18/05/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Sunday 17 May, the European Union criticised the decision of an Egyptian court the previous day to seek the death penalty for Egypt's former president Mohamed Morsi and 128 of his supporters. They were prosecuted in connection with a mass jail break following violence during the events of 2011.
The court's decision “was taken at the end of a mass trial that was not in line with Egypt's obligations under international law”, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in a press release. “The Egyptian judicial authorities have the responsibility to ensure, in line with international standards, defendants' rights to a fair trial and proper and independent investigations”, she stated. Mogherini said she was confident that the sentence would be revised during the appeal process. “Stability and rule of law should be guaranteed”, she added.
European Parliament President Martin Schulz tweeted that the death penalty on Morsi and other members of the Muslim Brotherhood was bad for justice and bad for Egypt. They have the right to a fair trial like any other citizen, Schulz tweeted.
Mogherini reiterated that the EU was opposed to the death penalty in any circumstances. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)