8 sentenced to death, 32 to life imprisonment over killing army personnel

CAIRO – 8 November 2018: A military court in Ismailia city in north-eastern Egypt sentenced in absentia eight people, who reportedly belong to ISIS’s Sinai Province militant group, to death over targeting and killing army personnel.

The court also sentenced in absentia 32 defendants to life imprisonment, and handed two others a 15-year detention, while two of the defendants were acquitted of all charges.

The defendants face charges of targeting military personnel and equipment, causing the death of 14 army individuals. They are also charged with attempting to kill 16 others.

Egypt has witnessed numerous terror armed attacks especially on police and army personnel and facilities since the ousting of Muslim Brotherhood affiliated former President Mohamed Morsi, causing the death of dozens of security individuals.

In September, Cairo Criminal Court sentenced 75 individuals,who are believed to have participated in the pro-Morsi Rabaa sit-in, to death. The defendants in the case, including senior Muslim Brotherhood leaders, face charges ranging from murder to damaging property. The verdict was criticized by the UN Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.

The General Assembly of the Cassation Court subsequently emphasized the independence and integrity of judiciary, rejecting any interference in its affairs. It also demanded the UN Commissioner to abide by “neutrality and professionalism.”