Rev. Dr. Andrea Zaki: “We respect the decisions of the judiciary and emphasize the need to achieve justice for all”

Statement from Rev. Zaki on the sentence of Muslim Brotherhood members in #Egypt.

The recent judicial decisions against a number of Muslim Brotherhood (MB) leaders, triggered mixed reactions locally and internationally, particularly the death sentence to the Brotherhood leader Mohammed Badie, along with others belonging to the MB convicted for committing acts of violence, murder and incitement to murder, and the burning of many public and private property after June 30 revolution.

These judicial decisions have sparked widespread criticism by many governments and international organizations. Also, the General Attorney in Egypt has appealed the verdicts, whether death, prison or innocence. In addition, present defendants have the right  to appeal the verdict with the Court of Cassation, and those who were convicted in absentia must be re-tried if arrested.

In a statement, Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki – Vice-President of the Protestant Churches in Egypt, and General Director of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS)– said that he is keen not to interfere or comment on any judicial decisions as the judiciary is an independent authority not permissible for any person  to interfere with or object to its decisions, according to the Constitution. He also stressed the need to achieve justice and equality for all citizens regardless of their religious or political affiliations, as well as the right to defend themselves by all means guaranteed by the Egyptian law and Constitution, as well as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Dr. Rev. Andrea Zaki added that the nature of the current critical phase Egypt is going through requires the need to deal with such issues with complete accuracy because of their consequences and reactions at all levels. He also stressed the need to stand united to eliminate the phenomenon of terrorism, which the country has witnessed in the recent period.