Egypt sentences 101 protesters to 5 years in prison

Egyptian officials say two Cairo courts have convicted and sentenced to five years in jail a total of 101 protesters for taking part in peaceful, anti-government demonstrations last month.


The officials on Sunday said the 101 were convicted of breaking a disputed 2013 law that effectively bans street protests. Of the 101, 79 were also fined $10 000 each.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

The sentences were passed late on Saturday, hours after another Cairo court sentenced 51 protesters to two years in jail for their part in last month's demonstrations, which were called to protest Egypt's decision to hand over control of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia as part of a demarcation deal.