Egypt refers 116 to military prosecutors over IS links

Egypt refers 116 to military prosecutors over IS links
Egyptian authorities on Tuesday referred 116 people accused of links to the Islamic State group to military prosecutors, the country's state-owned newspaper reported.
2 min read
17 August, 2016
Military tribunals are given jurisdiction over crimes committed against army facilities and personnel [AFP]
Egyptian authorities on Tuesday referred 116 people accused of links to the Islamic State group to military prosecutors, the country's state-owned newspaper reported.

According to al-Ahram, the defendants are accused of forming and running a terrorist group, attempted murder, possession of weapons, being in contact with the IS group and possession of written materials promoting violence against the state.

Since Egypt's revolution in 2011 and the overthrow of the country's first democratically elected president in 2013, the IS group have gained a foothold in the Sinai peninsula through its regional affiliate, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis.

The militants have carried out numerous attacks on Egyptian security forces, killing hundreds of policemen and soldiers. On occasion, attacks have also targeted the country's capital Cairo.

In response, Egypt's army has launched operations against the IS group in the Sinai peninsula, recently killing the group's leader Abu Duaa al-Ansari and at least 45 other militants.

According to the country's constitution established under the regime of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, military tribunals are given jurisdiction over crimes committed against army facilities and personnel.

The decision to try civilians before military courts has proven controversial and has raised further questions about justice in Egypt under President Sisi.

In 2015, six men were executed after being found guilty of planning terror attacks, shooting at security forces, attacking army facilities and naval ships and being members of Ansar Beit al-Maqdis. This action followed prosecution by a military court.