Egypt Hands Down 7 Death Sentences on Terror Charges

The Cairo Criminal Court has handed down death sentences to seven people convicted of carrying out attacks that killed 11 policemen in 2016.

The Court on Monday also sentenced 18 others to 10-15 years in prison for the same charges, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

Those include attacking security forces, joining a terrorist group and possession of weapons and explosives.

The charges stem from multiple attacks in Cairo, including one that killed eight police in a microbus in the suburb of Helwan.

That attack was claimed by ISIS. The court acquitted seven others.

According to AP, the verdicts can be appealed.

In response to terror attacks, Egypt has granted police forces and courts sweeping powers.

Rights observers said the crackdown has resulted in an abandonment of due process and violations of international law.