Justice Minister Nayyer Othman said Saturday that Egypt's judiciary is free from political influence or popular sentiments.
In a press conference, Othman said a death sentence issued against 683 Muslim Brotherhood leaders, including Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie, late April in Minya is still open for appeal.
The verdict handed over charges of rioting, attempted murder and sabotage after the 2013 ouster of former president Mohamed Morsy had sparked domestic and international uproar, with foreign countries urging fairer procedures and government opponents citing political motivations.
“The verdict is still in the process of appeal and cannot be commented on…Egypt’s judiciary does not yield to domestic or foreign views,” the minister told reporters, adding that the verdict has been used as means to disturb judicial activity.
“Referring the case to the Grand Mufti for feedback does not necessarily mean that all defendants will receive a death sentence,” the minister clarified, adding that the Grand Mufti’s opinion is not binding.
Othman said the case had not involved any children.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
