Stop Execution of Innocent People in EGYPT

WisdomNet is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to providing a common platform to increase solidarity, awareness, activism, and scholarship among the Turkish-American Community.  We are large a large membership body consisting of students and professionals residing predominantly in the U.S. and Turkey.  Our network has had over a thousand followers, supporters and members over the course of years since 1989. They all have graduate degrees from the American universities or still pursuing their studies. Our network members primarily are academicians, engineers, doctors, businessmen, journalists, etc.

In response to the recent verdict at the Cairo Criminal Court, we unequivocally condemn the 24 March Minya trial that resulted in the death sentences for 529 defendants.  In a heavily unfair trial it is obvious that the Egyptian government clearly violates international judicial process standards.   We are extremely disappointed at its biased and unfair justice system.  This sentencing is a grotesque action and the trial was clearly a sham.  The government, which has jailed over 16,000 people since coming to power, is clearly targeting people based on political affiliation with a vengeance.

We urge The Egyptian government to overturn the sentences of those convicted and grant them a retrial adhering to international process standards, and “without recourse to the death penalty”.

We also call upon the Western Nations to consider what further action they could take in a stand for human rights and democracy in Egypt.  Most importantly we call for an end to the violent repression of protests in Egypt and fair trials for all accused and prevent this mass execution.