Grand Mufti: Lack of Evidence Against MB

Proving once again that they have plenty of power, Egypt's Grand Mufti Shawki Allam, has said that Egypt's judiciary lacks necessary evidence to sentence Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie, along with 14 other leading members including Mohamed el-Beltagy and Safwat Hegazy, to death.

The referral of the sentences to the Mufti is the first step in the legal process required for a death sentence. Although the Mufti's decision is nonbinding, the court will issue a final verdict following his report. Once a final verdict is issued, the defendants may appeal.

Sentenced to death on charges of inciting murder and violence in the Istaqama Mosque, Badie found the Grand Mufti questioning the court's decision, resulting in the criminal court adjourning the case until August 30^th. The death sentences were initially issued in June but the case was adjourned pending the Mufti's review.

Upon further review, the Grand Mufti's report highlights that the evidence used in the case against the defendants were the statements of a national security officer which were not backed up by any other sources.

Mohamed Badie was already sentenced to death in Minya in April. He has also been sentenced to life in prison in another case in Qalubiya. Both cases are also related to murder and violence incitement following the dispersal of Raba'a, but is still unclear if those sentences are also part of the Mufti's review.