Egypt sentences 4 to death for alleged Daesh links

An Egyptian court has sentenced four people to death for links with Daesh through their alleged involvement in a group called the “Tanta cell”.

Two more were jailed for 15 years each and another six sentenced to ten years each for allegedly forming a Daesh cell in Egypt, according to Anadolu Agency.

Defence lawyer Mosaad Al-Hamaki said his clients had no political affiliations, adding the allegations were “fabricated”. The defendants have pleaded their innocence.

Executive Director of the Arab Network for Human Rights Information [ANHRI], Gamal Eid, described the sentences as nothing more than means of “political revenge”.

Egypt has severely cracked down on any opposition and in recent years has concentrated its efforts in curbing Daesh affiliated groups in the Sinai province who have in the past targeted Egyptian military servicemen.