Judge refuses to allow convicted protesters to pay LE100,000 fine in installments

The Dokki Misdemeanor Court has rejected an appeal against the LE100,000 fine imposed on 47 people convicted of participating in the April 25 protests, lawyer Fatma Serag told Mada Masr on Thursday. The judge also refused to allow the defendants to pay the fines in installments.

So far, three of the defendants have paid the fines in full, but the rest face jail time for failure to pay.

Judges may approve or deny requests to pay the fines on installment at their discretion, Serag told Mada Masr.

“The next step is when the prosecution orders those who can’t pay the fine to jail for three months, out of which one month has already been served by the protesters. They can also perform public service in state institutions,” she explained.

The 2013 protest law mandates three to five years in prison and a fine of LE50,000 to LE100,000 for protesting without authorization. On May 14, 101 people, including 54 in absentia, received the maximum sentence of five years in prison and an LE100,000 fine for their alleged participation in the April 25 anti-government mobilizations prompted by Egypt’s decision to transfer sovereignty over Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia.

On Tuesday, the court vacated the five-year sentences against 47 defendants, but the fines remained intact. While the families of the protesters celebrated Tuesday’s ruling, the substantial fines — which amount to LE4.7 million in total — continue to outrage the defendants’ supporters.

Serag said the defense team has decided to contest the verdict before the Appeals Court, which means that those who have not paid the fine could remain in detention until the court issues its final ruling.

“If the Appeals Court decides to overturn the verdict, there will be a retrial,” Serag said. “If there is an acquittal, those who paid the fine can get it back, and the defendants can file a lawsuit against the state demanding compensation."