Egyptian Human Rights Organization criticizes assassination case verdicts

In its statement issued yesterday, the Egyptian Human Rights Organization (EHRO) criticized the verdicts issued by the Supreme State Security Court in the "big case of assassinations." The statement said the severe death sentences will not stop the violent acts but they may aggravate the situation and lead to more violence.

The EHRO reiterated its firm position toward violence and terrorism practiced by armed groups under Islamic slogans. It also stressed the responsibility of the government to track and combat all practices that endanger the security of the Egyptian people and nation as a whole.

The statement called for holding the trials before civilian courts instead of military courts so that trials can be conducted before an independent court, and appeals can be heard before an independent higher court, which is not the case with the military courts and the state security courts.

The Supreme State Security Court handed down its verdicts in the case, including three death sentences, four sentences of life imprisonment, three sentences of 15 years in prison, three of ten years, three of 5 years, and 3 acquittals.