An Egyptian Court gave death sentence to 683 ex-president Morsi supporters

An Egyptian Court on 28 April 2014 sentenced to death 683 alleged supporters of the Mohammed Morsi. Mohammed Morsi of Muslim Brotherhood Party is the ex-president of the Egypt.

One of the most senior Brotherhood leaders was Mohamed Badie among those convicted and sentenced to death. Mohamed Badie is the spiritual guide of Brotherhood.

The court referred its ruling to the Grand Mufti, the nation's top Islamic law official. Grand Mufti is a requirement under Egyptian law. However, it provides a window of opportunity for a judge to reverse an initial sentence.

Once the Mufti reviews the ruling the same court will hold another session on 21 June 2014 to issue the final verdicts.

The ruling is the outcome of the deadly riots that erupted in Minya in Egypt after security forces violently disbanded protest by Brotherhood supporters in Cairo on 14 August 2013.  Three policemen and a civilian were killed in those riots.

Hundreds were killed as part of a campaign against supporters of former President Mohammed Morsi, ousted by the military in July 2013. The removal of Morsi came after millions demonstrated against his rule, demanding he step down for abuse of power. He was elected in 2012.

There was a strong allegation upon the procedure of the Judgement as the leading human rights activists claimed that the defendants were not given the chance to properly defend themselves. The proceedings went on without the judge even verifying that the defendants were present.

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