Egypt sentences 7 to prison for illegal protest

CAIRO – An Egyptian court has convicted seven people of taking part in an illegal street protest and plotting a terror “crime,” sentencing each to eight years in prison.

The seven were arrested April 27, two days after a series of street protests against the government’s decision to surrender to Saudi Arabia control over two Red Sea islands as part of a border demarcation deal.

Saturday’s verdict also slapped a 500-pound (about $50) fine on each of the seven defendants, who come from Kerdasa, an Islamist stronghold in greater Cairo. They were also accused of spreading rumours and incitement.

A 2013 law has effectively banned demonstrations in Egypt. Media reports this week suggested lawmakers may amend the law to remove provisions for imprisonment.