EGYPT: COURT OF CASSATION UPHOLDS DEATH PENALTY FOR 3 DEFENDANTS IN ANSAR AL-SHARIA CASE

Egypt’s Court of Cassation upheld on 1st July 2020 death sentences against three defendants convicted on terrorism-related charges in the 2014 case known in the media as the Ansar Al-Sharia case.
The court also upheld life imprisonment sentences for four others, and 10-year prison terms for three defendants.
The final verdict comes nearly two years after a criminal court handed down death sentences to three defendants, and life imprisonment and 15-year prison terms to four and seven others, respectively.
In 2014, the defendants were charged with establishing and running the Ansar Al-Sharia terrorist group, attacking police and army personnel and institutions, as well as targeting government facilities and Christians and their places of worship.
The prosecution charged that between August 2013 and May 2014 in Beni Suef, Sharqiya and Giza, the defendants managed a terrorist organisation and received funds to carry out hostile operations against the state and citizens.