Egypt's Court of Cassation [5] upheld convictions and three-year prison sentences of three activists Jan. 26 for violating the country's protest laws. Ahmed Maher [6], Ahmed Douma [7] and Mohammed Adel [8] were arrested [9] under a law that bans political gatherings [7] of more than 10 people without prior government permission. As the Court of Cassation is Egypt's highest, the convicted men have no further legal redress. Human Rights Watch [10] has criticized the law [11] since its drafting, claiming that it goes "well beyond the limitations permitted under international law" for the right to peacefully assemble. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights [12] also condemned the law [13], its spokesperson stating that "no one should be criminalized or subjected to any threats or acts of violence, harassment or persecution for addressing human rights issues through peaceful protests." Thousands have been arrested [14] under this law, including many supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood.
From Jurist [15], Jan. 27. Used with permission.
