Mohamed Morsi, the ousted President of Egypt, sentenced to death

A court in Egypt has sentenced Mohamed Morsi, the ousted president of the country, to death for his role in the mass escape of prisoners during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. According to a report by AFP on Saturday, May 15, Mr. Morsi, who was in a cage, raised his fist in protest while the judge read the verdict. Morsi had previously been sentenced to 20 years in prison for inciting his supporters to commit violence. The report states that the judge issued the same sentence for more than 100 others, including Mohamed Badie, the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, who had already been sentenced to death in another trial. Under Egyptian law, death sentences are referred to the Grand Mufti of Egypt, who plays an advisory role in this matter. Convicts can appeal even after a favorable opinion from the Mufti for the execution of the death sentence. However, it is unclear whether Mohamed Morsi will appeal, as his lawyer stated, 'If he decides to challenge the ruling, then we will file an appeal. But if he continues to not recognize this court, we will not file an appeal.' The court will announce its final decision on June 1. Meanwhile, the issuance of the death sentence for Mohamed Morsi and other political activists in Egypt has drawn international criticism. Amnesty International stated on Saturday that such a ruling is evidence of the deplorable state of Egypt's judicial system. According to this human rights organization, 'The death penalty has become a favorite tool for Egyptian authorities to purge political opponents.' Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also protested this ruling, saying it seems Egypt has returned to ancient times. He also accused the West of turning a blind eye to the events surrounding the ousting of Mohamed Morsi. Mohamed Morsi, who was elected president following the 2011 Egyptian revolution, was able to remain in office for only one year before being overthrown by a military coup.