Spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville condemned the sentencing of 25 activists to 15 years in jail and an EGP 100,000 fine. Prominent activist Alaa Abdel Fattah and 24 others were sentenced in absentia on Wednesday morning for violating the controversial Protest Law, issued last November. Abdel Fattah and two others were arrested shortly after the verdict was issued. "This verdict constitutes the latest example in a chain of legal cases that have failed to meet international fair trial standards," said Colville in a Friday statement. He added: "We have already raised serious concerns about the law on protests," pointing to "vague definitions of restrictions and the excessive powers bestowed on commanders on the ground" believing this could lead to "the possible use of lethal force". The Protest Law was issued by former president Adly Mansour on 24 November 2013 to regulate the right to peaceful assembly. It has garnered wide criticism from domestic as well as international human rights organisations since then. Several political movements have also criticised the law. All defendants sentenced on Wednesday were arrested on 26 November, except for Abdel Fattah who was arrested from his home on 28 November, despite announcing his intention to hand himself in. They were all released on bail in separate groups. Colville said that the Protest Law "needs to urgently be brought in conformity with Egypt's international human rights obligations".
