Polish MP protests Egyptian mass death penalty verdicts
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
26.03.2014 09:50
A Polish MP has said he will protest to the United Nations, European Parliament and Council of Europe in the wake of an Egyptian court's decision to sentence 529 members of the Muslim Brotherhood to death.
Egyptian policemen stand guard outside a court during the trial of supporters of toppled president Mohamed Morsi, in Minya, Egypt, 24 March 2014. Death sentences were handed down on 24 March to 529 supporters of Morsi on the second day of proceedings in the biggest trial in Egypt's history. They were found guilty of rioting and attacking police facilities in August in the southern city of Minya. EPA/STR Dostawca: PAP/EPA.
MP Andrzej Halicki (Civic Platform) described the court ruling as "unprecedented judicial murder".
The 529 supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohammed Morsi were convicted of charges including murdering a policeman and attacks on people and property.
The verdict now goes to Egypt's supreme religious authority, the Grand Mufti for approval or rejection.
The Polish MP added that he would meet the Egyptian ambassador to Poland to discuss the matter.
The Muslim Brotherhood has denounced the death sentences and Washington expressed shock and concern.
"Obviously the defendants can appeal, but it simply does not seem possible that a fair review of evidence and testimony consistent with international standards could be accomplished with over 529 defendants in a two-day trial," Marie Harf, Deputy US State Department spokeswoman has said.
Meanwhile, 682 other members of Muslim Brotherhood went on trial, Tuesday, and are expected to be sentenced to death as well. (mk/pg)