Dissent as Murder: Egyptian Court Sentences 529 Men to Death in One Ruling

An Egyptian judge sentenced 529 men to death on Monday for participating in protests that led to the death of a single police officer during clashes last August which followed the military overthrow of democratically-elected President Mohamed Morsi in July.

All of those sentenced are believed to be members or supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, the political-religious party from which Morsi took most of his support.

The sentences were handed down after just two court sessions. Though experts say there is a likelikood that the sentences could be overturned, critics of the ruling government—now in the hands of the military and its allies—say the ruling is clear evidence that the those who voice dissent against the regime are in danger of losing their lives.

The Guardian‘s Patrick Kingsley reports on the reactions to the verdict in Cairo:

The New York Times adds:

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