Statement on the court rulings in Egypt

EU News 195/2014

Brussels, 29 April 2014
140429/03

"The EU is against the death penalty in all cases and therefore strongly opposes the recommendation of the death penalty for an additional 683 persons by a court in Minya in Egypt which has already issued a similar recommendation for 529 persons in late March. It is also of particular concern that of this latter group, the recommendation has been confirmed in the case of 37 persons.

These mass trials are clearly in breach of international human rights law: the exact charges against each defendant remain unclear, the proceedings lack the most basic standards of due process and the verdicts appear grossly disproportionate, failing short of complying with the principle of individual sentencing.

The EU reiterates its call on the Egyptian judicial authorities to ensure, in line with international standards, the defendants' rights to a fair and timely trial based on clear charges and proper and independent investigations, as well as the right of access and contact to lawyers and family members.

The EU observes a very worrying trend regarding the compliance of Egypt with its international human rights obligations, as well as the seriousness of Egypt's transition towards democracy which requires a legal and judicial framework respecting international human rights standards. The EU calls on the Egyptian authorities to immediately reverse this trend which jeopardizes any prospects for overcoming divisions within society and to ensure progress towards a truly democratic, stable and prosperous Egypt, through a political process open to all citizens."

Source and additional information:
http://eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140429_03_en.pdf

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