FCO Minister concerned by Egypt death sentences

Friday 05 Dec 2014 @ 09:10
Foreign and Commonwealth Office

FCO Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood expresses concern at 188 death sentences passed by a court in Egypt.

Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood said:

I am concerned by the reports that 188 individuals were yesterday sentenced to death by a court in Giza in Egypt. Such excessive sentences undermine international confidence in the rule of law in and hopes of a transition towards a more democratic and stable Egypt.

We condemn unreservedly the terrible crimes committed in Kerdasa in August 2013 and believe that it is vital that those responsible are held fully to account in trials which respect the rights of the defendants and the victims. It is the long-standing policy of Her Majesty’s Government to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle and we urge the Egyptian authorities to review this unacceptable sentence.

Further information

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