The Cairo Criminal Court issued verdicts on Wednesday in the second “Maespero trial” to 23 defendants with harsh sentences ranging from 10 to 25 years in prison.
Fifteen of the defendants received 25 years in prison and a fine of EGP 20,000, while three others received 15 years. Another five defendants were sentenced to 10 years.
All the defendants will be on probation for a period of time equal to the duration of their sentence.
The case involves 23 defendants, 17 of whom are in prison, with the remaining defendants still at large. The prosecution accused the defendants of several charges, including illegal assembly, attempted murder, and attacking public and private facilities.
The incident took place in the events following the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013. Clashes between security personnel and Morsi supporters took place as they gathered around the Maspero (state television) building, calling for his return and for “legitimacy”.
