Egyptian court upholds life sentence for leader of outlawed Muslim Brotherhood

Egypt's highest appeal court confirms life sentences against Mohammed Badie and others in espionage and terrorism case

Mohammed Badie inside the defendants cage during the trial of Muslim Brotherhood members in 2014. AFP
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Egypt’s highest appeals court has upheld life sentences against the leader of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood and several of the group’s senior officials.

The ruling on Wednesday comes after Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie and others were convicted of espionage and conspiring against the country with foreign and domestic terrorist groups.

The Cassation Court's verdict was the latest against Brotherhood leaders in a string of court cases dating back to the aftermath of the military’s 2013 overthrow of Mohammed Morsi.

Morsi, an Islamist president with strong links to the Brotherhood, died during a court appearance in 2019.

The same court confirmed life sentences against Badie and nine other members of the group earlier this month over prison breaks and killing policemen during the 2011 Arab uprising.

Under Egypt’s penal code, a life sentence is 25 years in prison. Rulings by the Cassation Court are final and cannot be appealed.

The life sentences upheld on Wednesday were passed in 2019 by a special “terror” court against Badie and 14 other members of the group. They included Brotherhood stalwarts Khairat El Shater, Saad El Katatni and Mohamed El Beltagy.

During the trial, prosecutors said the defendants contacted “foreign groups” with the aim of launching terrorist attacks in Egypt and passing military secrets to foreign governments.

They also said the defendants organised military training for members to “realise the goals of the Brotherhood’s international arm".

An Egyptian court outlawed the Brotherhood in 2013 amid a crackdown against the group’s supporters during which authorities detained thousands.

Updated: July 28, 2021, 6:03 PM