Egypt court sentences 11 people to death for ‘terrorism’

An Egyptian court sentenced 11 people to death on accusations they joined a “terrorist organisation” and attempted to kill two police officers, a judicial official says. The court sentenced 14 others to life in prison — 25 years in Egypt — and a juvenile to 10 years in prison, the official says.

They were accused of participating in “terrorist operations” and attempting to kill two officers in 2014, and of possession and manufacturing explosive material.

Of the defendants, 21 were in court, including seven of those sentenced to death. Five were sentenced in absentia: the juvenile and four of the defendants who were sentenced to death.

The defendants were accused of taking part in violence that followed the July 2013 military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

— AFP