Egyptian court confirms death sentence against 22

Cairo, April 20 (IANS/EFE) The Giza Criminal Court issued on Monday death sentences against 22 Islamists on charges of attacking a police station of the town of Kerdasa in Giza governorate in July 2013, judicial officials said.

Eight of the convicted were tried in absentia, while another was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Last month, the sentences were referred to Grand Mufti Shawqi Alam, the country's highest Islamic religious official, who must review all death sentences, according to the Egyptian law, although his decision is not binding.

All defendants were found guilty of killing a police officer and attempted murder of 23 other police recruits during the riots in Kerdasa that erupted after the overthrow of former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

--IANS/EFE

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