Egyptians condemn sentencing of female protesters

Supporters of Egypt’s ousted President Mohamed Morsi have held a demonstration in Alexandria to condemn the sentencing of a group of female protesters.

Morsi supporters clashed with police in Alexandria over the weekend during protests to condemn sentences issued against 21 female demonstrators. One person was injured in the clashes.

Fourteen of the female protesters will formally appeal against their 11-year jail sentences on December 7. The seven others, all minors, will appeal at a separate court for juveniles on the same day.

The charges against the female protesters relate to a demonstration held in Alexandria on October 31, where the women called for street protests.

Cairo enacted a controversial protest law on November 24. Under the legislation, gatherings of more than 10 people require a written permit three days prior to the event.

Egypt has been experiencing unrelenting violence since July 3, when the army ousted Morsi, suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament. The military appointed the head of the Supreme Constitutional Court Adly Mahmoud Mansour as the new interim president.

The government of Mansour has launched a bloody crackdown on Morsi supporters and arrested more than 2,000 Muslim Brotherhood members.