The ACIJLP expresses concern about the frequency of the issuance of death sentences Across the state security courts in Egypt

Cairo, 28^th November 2012  

The ACIJLP expresses concern about the frequency of the issuance of death sentences

                       Across the state security courts in Egypt                      

The Arab Center for Independence of the Judiciary and the Legal Profession (ACIJLP) expresses its deep concern about the frequency of issuing death sentences by special courts such as the state security courts in Egypt after quick trials which raise the ACIJLP's concern about the lack of consideration for the guarantees and fair trial standards.

The ACIJLP raises many concerns regarding these exceptional trials, accelerating sentencing to death against the accused, especially since it is issued by exceptional courts represented in the State Security Courts, and it is issued in cases of a public opinion. Therefore, the ACIJLP that is concerned that these sentences may be targeted to calm public opinion, regardless of the availability of guarantees and fair trial standards.

The ACIJLP expresses its full condemnation of any operations or criminal acts, committed by offenders from individuals or organized groups, any abuse of religions or sanctities or any attempts or calls for national, racial or religious hate that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. The ACIJLP also refuses to hold exceptional trials and to make death sentences the mean used to counter such acts. The ACIJLP believes that fair and equitable trials should be applied regardless of the nature of the offense.

 The ACIJLP expresses its concern about the frequency of issuance of death sentences after exceptional trials in a rapid manner in specific cases such as public opinion cases and is concerned about the judgment of the Supreme State Security Court in Ismailia on Monday 24^th September 2012 which issued the application of the death penalty against 14 defendants, and life imprisonment on 4 others, after being convicted in the attacks on a number of police stations in El-Arish and killing members of the security forces, and the quittance of 6 accused others. In addition to the judgment issued by the Supreme State Security Court of Emergency on Wednesday 28^th November regarding the execution of 6 Coptic Diaspora, after being accused in the production of the American Film offending the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon Him), where the court referred the papers of 6 of the defendants in the above mentioned case to the Mufti of the Republic, and the court set a hearing next January 29 for sentencing.

The ACIJLP stresses the need to provide guarantees fair of trial to all defendants and to take into account the safeguards guaranteeing protection of the rights of those facing the death penalty, which were adopted by decision No. 50/1984 of the Economic and Social Council on 25^th May 1984. The ACIJLP also calls upon Egyptian government to take into account resolution No. 162/49 of the UN General Assembly on 18^th December 2007, resolution No. 63/168 of 18^th December 2008 and its recent resolution No. 65/2006 issued on 21 December 2010, which invited States Parties to moratorium the application of the death penalty as a prelude to its abolition.

The ACIJLP also calls upon the Egyptian government to sign the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty.