An Egyptian police officer convicted of killing 20 protesters during demonstrations that brought down Hosni Mubarak's government in February has been sentenced to death.
Mohamed Ibrahim Abdel-Monem was found guilty in his absence on Sunday of shooting dead "at random" 20 protesters on January 28, one of the most violent days of the uprising that lasted 18 days.
The criminal court in Cairo referred the case to the Grand Mufti, Egypt's religious authority who must approve all death sentences.
The sentencing follows long jail terms given to Mubarak-era officials who have been found guilty of corruption in an ongoing campaign by the military-led government to address protesters' demands, including swift trial for people accused of wrongdoing.
Mubarak himself, his wife Suzanne and his powerful sons are being investigated for abuse of power and amassing illegally acquired wealth.
In May, Habib al-Adly, Egypt's former interior minister, was sentenced to 12 years in jail for money laundering and profiteering.
Al-Adly is accused of ordering police to fire upon pro-democracy protesters and is one of the most senior ministers from the former government to be put on trial.
Another former minister, Zoheir Garranah, who headed the tourism portfolio, was sentenced to five years after he was found guilty of handing out tourism licences illegally.
Source: Al Jazeera, May 22, 2011
First death sentence imposed in killing of Egyptian protesters
A Cairo court on Sunday imposed the first death sentence in the killing of protesters during the popular uprising that deposed President Hosni Mubarak, condemning a police officer who was tried in absentia.
It was the first such sentence in over a dozen court cases involving police shooting and killing protesters. Lawyers said because the officer, Mohammed Mahmoud, was tried in absentia, the court felt free to pass the maximum sentence. Once he is arrested, Mr. Mahmoud would get a new trial, human rights lawyer Taher Abou el-Nasr said.
Mr. Mahmoud, a low ranking police officer, was convicted of killing at least 20 protesters and injuring many by randomly firing his rifle.
The families of the victims outside the courtroom in Cairo broke out in cheers upon hearing the news. Some shouted: “God is Great.”
An Islamic cleric has to approve the sentence, and then the court would ratify it.
During the 18-day uprising that ended with Mr. Mubarak's exit on Feb. 11, at least 846 protesters were killed, according government records.
Egypt's former security chief and his top aides are facing trial on charges of issuing orders to shoot and kill protesters. Mr. Mubarak himself may face similar charges, but the investigation against him is still in progress.
Source: The Globe and Mail, May 22, 2011
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