278 Brotherhood terror suspects in the dock

Egypt's Prosecutor-General has referred 278 suspected Muslim Brotherhood members to military trial on ‘terrorism’ charges. The suspects are facing charges, including joining militant groups Lewaa al-Thawra, which assassinated an army general in 2016, and Hasam. A report on the News24 site notes that they are also accused of carrying out 12 ‘terrorist operations’, including targeting and killing police officers and personnel. Of the 278 suspects, 141 are already in detention.

At the same time, President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has pardoned hundreds of prisoners, most of whom had been convicted and jailed for their participation in illegal protests. A report on the News24 site notes that authorities in Muslim countries traditionally release prisoners on the eve of the fasting month of Ramadan as a show of mercy. Officials say a total of 332 prisoners will be released, including pro-democracy activists who were found in violation of a 2013 law that prohibits unauthorised protests.