17 sentenced to 5 years in jail for rioting during consitutional referendum

The Heliopolis Misdemeanor Court sentenced 17 defendants to five years in jail and a LE50,000 fine each on charges of rioting on Marghany Street during the constitutional referendum in January.

The defendants will also undergo a five-year probation period after their prison sentences have been served, according to state-run Ahram Gate. The court accused the 17 defendants of rioting, thuggery, and affiliation to a banned terrorist group that disturbs public peace and security. Defendants were also accused of torching Roxy Police Station in Heliopolis, attacking security forces and resisting authorities.

Last month, Minya Criminal Court sentenced 15 supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi 18 years in prison and a total of LE135,000 in fines on charges of blocking roads, obstructing the constitutional referendum and affiliation to a banned terrorist group.

In March, Minya Criminal Court sentenced 529 Muslim Brotherhood supporters to death for violence following the dispersal of the Rabea al-Adaweya and Nahda sit-ins. The defendants were accused of torching a police station, killing a police officer, stealing weaponry and attempting to release prisoners.

 The sentence caused national and international uproar.

A military crackdown on Brotherhood leaders and supporters ensued after the ouster of the Brotherhood-led government. Many of the banned group's leaders are currently behind bars and on trial.  

 In June, the Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guidance Mohamed Badie was sentenced to death, alongside 179 others, by a criminal court in Minya. The verdict was based on accusation of violence and attacks against civilians and security personnel in Minya.

The constitutional referendum held last January was boycotted by the dissolved Freedom and Justice Party, the political wing of the Brotherhood. The Islamist group viewed the constitution as way to legalize what they described as a “coup.”