This Article is From May 14, 2016

Egypt Jails 51 For Protests Over Transfer Of Islands To Saudi Arabia

Egypt Jails 51 For Protests Over Transfer Of Islands To Saudi Arabia

Thirteen minors were referred to juvenile court over the protests. (Reuters Photo)

Cairo: Egyptian officials say a Cairo court has sentenced 51 people to two years in prison for taking part in the protests last month.

They were convicted on Saturday of breaking a 2013 law that effectively bans protests. Nearly 300 people have been arrested and charged for taking part in the April demonstrations against Egypt's decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.

The officials say 18 of the 51 were sentenced in absentia. Thirteen minors were referred to juvenile court over the protests.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

April's protests were the largest since President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's 2014 election.
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