HRW calls on Egypt to commute death sentences
The President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Syed Sadatullah Husaini has condemned the death sentence given to 12 Muslim Brotherhood members and endorsed the call made by Muslims scholars for halting their execution.
In a statement to the media on June 17, the JIH President said, “We condemn the decision by Egypt’s highest civilian court that upheld the death sentences for 12 pro-democracy protestors. Several independent sources attest that they were falsely charged of orchestrating the killing of security forces in 2013. The entire case against the accused was fabricated from the beginning to discredit the peaceful protests against the illegitimate regime of General Abdel Fattah Sisi, who violently overthrew the legitimate and democratically elected government of President Mohammed Morsi.
“It is widely reported that this is another unjust ruling by a kangaroo court to target the Opposition at the behest of the dictatorial and anti-democratic regime of General Sisi. Awarding capital punishment to those who stand for democracy, truth and justice should stir the conscience of all those who cherish these values and they must seek ways and means to stop this unjust and brutal abuse of human rights.”
The Jamaat leader said: “We strongly urge the United Nations, the international community and the Government of India to denounce this brutality and stop the military regime from carrying these inhuman acts of retribution. We endorse the call given by Islamic scholars from across the globe to civil society and human rights institutions in all countries, especially in the Western world, to act urgently, strive to stir up public opinion and put pressure on their respective governments to halt this open mockery and affront to the basic rules of law and justice. We pray to Allah for granting patience and fortitude to all those resisting tyranny and oppression and help them achieve success in their just cause and legitimate mission for upholding freedom and the rule of law.”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on June 18 also called on Egypt to commute death sentences against 12 Muslim Brotherhood members, saying their trial had been a “mockery of justice”.
“Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi should immediately commute the death sentences for 12 protesters, including prominent Muslim Brotherhood leaders,” HRW said in a statement.
“The Rabaa trial was a mockery of justice, so it is outrageous that the highest court has upheld these 12 death sentences,” said Joe Stork, HRW deputy Middle East and North Africa director.