Egypt death sentences for Morsi and others worry US, UN, Turkey

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he will closely monitor the appeals process for the death sentences and urged actions that would promote the rule of law.
The US State Department said Egypt’s practice of mass trials and sentences was unjust and often used against members of the opposition or non-violent activists.
“We are deeply concerned by yet another mass death sentence handed down by an Egyptian court to more than 100 defendants, including former President Morsi,” State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters in Washington.
An Egyptian court on Sunday sought the death penalty for Morsi and 106 supporters of his Muslim Brotherhood, in connection with a mass jail-break in 2011. A final ruling is expected on June 2.
In Ankara, Turkey’s presidential spokesman warned the Middle East would be thrown into turmoil if Egypt carried out its death sentences.
Ibrahim Kalın said the sentences were a “breach of justice” and called on the international community to speak out more strongly against them.
“The subject demands universal attention. The execution orders and carrying them out will push the Middle East into turmoil,” he told reporters.
Turkey would work with the UN Human Rights Commission after the sentences, and take “all necessary steps”, he added.

 

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