Seven students from Mansoura University were referred to military trial for protesting without a permit and violence, among other charges.
The students, who were arrested on 28 October, are also charged with possessing fireworks, white arms and anti-government pamphlets, according to state-run news agency MENA.
In October, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi issued a new decree, valid for two years, that stipulates the referral of any person who attempts to vandalise a public property to a military court. He urged military personnel to take part in protecting those properties, along with the police forces.
Human rights organisations condemned Al-Sisi’s decree, warning against the consequences of “undermining the civilian justice system under the pretext of combating terrorism”.
The joint statement by fifteen rights groups called on the authorities to “withdraw the law in question and to strive to maintain the balance between effective counter-terrorism measures, and the necessary respect for basic human rights as per Egypt’s constitution and international obligations”.
Students Against the Coup (SAC), a student group active in several universities, announced in late December that it will escalate protests to commemorate the anniversary of the 25 January Revolution, and four years of “struggle against its military enemy”.
Fifteen students of Zagazig University were also referred to military trials on 29 December by Sharqeya governorate prosecution for rioting, inciting violence, intimidating citizens, and protesting without permission.
The same procedure was used against three Al-Azhar University students, who were referred to military trial last Saturday on charges of violating the Protest Law, obstructing roads and engaging in violent activity.
