Egypt sentences 230 activists to life in prison
5 Feb 2015 11:59 PM GMT
An Egyptian court on Wednesday sentenced 230 activists to life in prison for taking part in clashes with security forces during the 2011 revolt that forced longtime autocratic ruler Hosni Mubarak to step down, in the heaviest sentence yet against non-Islamist protesters.
Among the 230 activists was leading campaigner Ahmed Douma, who is already serving a three-year-sentence for breaking a draconian law regulating protests.
Douma rose to prominence during the 2011 uprising and was also a key protest leader against Mubarak’s successor Mohammed Morsi, who is currently in prison over charges of killing peaceful protesters, espionage and escaping from prison.
A life-in-prison verdict carries a sentence of 25 years in jail according to the Egyptian penal code.
Wednesday’s ruling found the activists guilty of taking part in clashes with security forces and inciting violence near Cairo’s Tahrir Square in December 2011.
Some 39 other defendants, who are minors, were hit with 10 years in prison in the same case, Alahram reported.
Among the 230 activists was leading campaigner Ahmed Douma, who is already serving a three-year-sentence for breaking a draconian law regulating protests.
Douma rose to prominence during the 2011 uprising and was also a key protest leader against Mubarak’s successor Mohammed Morsi, who is currently in prison over charges of killing peaceful protesters, espionage and escaping from prison.
A life-in-prison verdict carries a sentence of 25 years in jail according to the Egyptian penal code.
Wednesday’s ruling found the activists guilty of taking part in clashes with security forces and inciting violence near Cairo’s Tahrir Square in December 2011.
Some 39 other defendants, who are minors, were hit with 10 years in prison in the same case, Alahram reported.
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