Death Penalty Sentence of 529 Egyptians Violates Right to Fair Trial

On March 24, 2014, 529 Egyptians were sentenced to death on charges related to the events leading to the ousting of the Government of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. At least 600 more individuals are currently on trial for similar charges.

According to the information received about the Egyptian sentences, numerous procedural irregularities occurred during the proceedings, such as unclear or insignificant charges, limited access to lawyers, trials in absentia.

In a press release published on April 7, 2014, the UIA declared that the imposition of the sentence of death on 529 defendants, after a two-day trial, constituted a per se mockery of justice and a blatant violation of rights and guarantees.

It also reminded the Egyptian authorities of their obligations as a State party to the ICCPR, and insisted on the safeguards that must be applied to those sentenced to death, such as the right to appeal and suspensive effect of appeal.

For further information, please read the press release below.