Hague concerned about Egypt's death sentences

UK Foreign Secretary Willian Hague expressed concern at the 528 death sentences a court has passed in Egypt against Muslim Brotherhood supporters. Speaking about the verdict, Hague said "I am deeply concerned by the reports that 528 individuals were today sentenced to death by a court in Al Minya in Egypt." "Reports that many of the accused were tried in their absence and that defendants may not have been adequately represented are also deeply worrying," the UK embassy in Cairo quoted Hague as saying in a statement. "We urge the Egyptian authorities to ensure full respect for defendants’ rights, and hope they will review this unacceptable sentence," he said. "It is the long-standing policy of (the UK) Government to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle," he added. (MENA)