Egypt's National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) expressed its concern over prosecuting journalists and activists – civilians – in front of military trials over accusations related to their activities and missions. The council said trying such cases in military courts is meant to intimidate the activists and journalists and is an obstacle to their freedom to perform their duties or activities. Civilians are increasingly being prosecuted before military trials, said the council in a statement. The statement added that this is a violation of the Egyptian constitution, national laws and international standards meant to ensure the right of civilians to be prosecuted before civilian trials. The council appreciated the decision by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to re-try some of the youth of the January 25 Revolution and to ease or suspend their sentences. However, it raised the necessity of protecting civilians' rights to civilian trials and the guarantee of a fair trial. The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has been charged with Egypt's administration since February, when 30-year president Hosni Mubarak stepped down. The council has faced increased pressure to end military trials of civilians.
