The Elders call on Egyptian courts to overturn death sentences; Kofi Annan: These rulings do not meet accepted international standards and could provoke further unrest in Egypt

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2 May 2014

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The Elders call on Egyptian courts to overturn death sentences

Kofi Annan: These rulings do not meet accepted international standards and could provoke further unrest in Egypt

The Elders are shocked by the death sentences passed on 28 April by an Egyptian court on 683 people accused of violent rioting in 2013. This is the second ruling of its kind in two months, following the equally disturbing death sentences passed by the same judge on 529 people in March.

The Elders join others, including respected Egyptian human rights organisations, in deploring judicial decisions of this kind, which are deeply flawed because they are not based on due process and the rule of law. In consequence, The Elders believe that they will prove counter-productive and further undermine Egypt’s stability. Whatever the outcome, The Elders oppose the death penalty under all circumstances.

Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and former UN Secretary-General, said:

“Harsh sentences of this kind risk creating greater instability in Egypt rather than reducing it.

“The judiciary has a responsibility to review these cases in line with accepted international standards. We appeal to Egypt’s higher authorities to ensure that the judicial review process is fair and transparent.”

 

About The Elders

The Elders are independent leaders using their collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.

The Elders are Martti Ahtisaari, Kofi Annan (Chair), Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland (Deputy Chair), Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Hina JilaniGraça MachelMary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo.

Desmond Tutu is an honorary Elder.

 

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Elliott Fox, Media Officer
T: +44 20 70123 4625
M: +44 7795 693 903
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