Over 200 sentenced to prison in Alexandria

Three Alexandrian Misdemeanor Courts sentenced a total of 220 Muslim Brotherhood members to three to seven years imprisonment late Tuesday, privately owned Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper reported. 

The defendants were arrested during violent events in Alexandria following the June 30 mass protests that led to the toppling of former President Mohamed Morsi. 

They were accused of blocking traffic, instigating violence and protesting without a permit, the paper reported. 

Brotherhood leading figure and former parliamentarian Sobhi Saleh is among the defendants. Saleh was charged by Raml Misdemeanor Court with inciting and practicing violence during the commemoration October 6 victory in Alexandria. He was sentenced to three years in prison and LE20,000 fine along with 21 other members of the Brotherhood.

The defendants were accused of destroying public property, protesting, obstructing traffic, stirring chaos, joining a group aiming at disturbing the public peace and security and the possession of light weapons. 

Saleh has been previously sentenced to three years in another case before Attareen Misdemeanor Court for participating in violent events in the vicinity of Al-Qaed Ibrahim Mosque on August 18, 2013. Saleh and 15 other Brotherhood figures were accused of carrying light weapons and shotguns.

Meanwhile, Sidi Gaber Misdemeanor Court sentenced 134 defendants to three years imprisonment with labor as well as a LE50,000 fine, the equivalent of around US$7,000.

These trials come within the context of a broader crackdown on the Brotherhood. On Sunday, 637 Brotherhood members including the  Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie were referred to Minya Criminal Court for alleged involvement in violent clashes in August, 2013. They are charged with storming and burning the Matay Police Station, killing a police officer, stealing weapons and releasing inmates.