The United States and the United Nations have condemned the mass death sentences handed by an Egyptian court to Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie and 682 of his supporters on Monday after a brief hearing.
Urging a reversal of the court decision, the White House said: “Today’s verdict, like the one last month, defies even the most basic standards of international justice. This verdict cannot be reconciled with Egypt’s obligations under international human rights law.”
“Egyptian leaders must take a stand against this illogical action and dangerous precedent, recognizing that the repression of peaceful dissent will fuel the instability and radicalization that Egypt says it wishes to prevent,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon voiced apprehension that the mass death sentences could impact the entire region. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: “Verdicts that clearly appear not to meet basic fair trial standards, particularly those which impose the death penalty, are likely to undermine prospects for long-term stability.”