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WCC expresses “deep worry” over mass trial resulting in death sentences in Egypt

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches has expressed his “deep worry” over the sentencing of 529 people to death in Egypt last week.

The sentencing of the 529 supporters of ousted president, Mohammed Morsi, following what the UN described as a “cursory” mass trial last week sparked alarm around the world with a spokesman for the UN Commissioner for Human Rights saying the situation was “unprecedented” and declaring that “the mass imposition of the death penalty after a trial that was rife with procedural irregularities is in breach of international human rights law”.

The 529, who were expected to appeal, were convicted of various offences including membership of an unlawful organisation – the Muslim Brotherhood, incitement to violence, vandalism, unlawful gathering and the killing of a police officer.

Rev Dr Olav Fyske Tveit, general secretary of the WCC, described the trial as possibility the “shortest, largest and most drastic” in modern Egypt’s history. He said the council was “deeply worried” over the trial.

“While being hopeful that the judgment will be overturned on the first appeal, the WCC remains concerned over the reversal of the recent signs of hope which had suggested that the vibrant Egyptian society was progressing towards respect of human dignity and the rule of law,” he said in a statement issued last Friday.

“We sincerely hope that Egypt will go forward in a process that respects basic human rights and serves the building of democracy and mutual trust in the country. We believe that only a peaceful and inclusive process, in which all political parties and civil society organizations and actors work together to facilitate peace building through a national process of reconciliation and healing, will lead the country to national unity and to justice and peace.”

~ www.oikoumene.org

 

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