VOICED : Condenan en Egipto a ONGs

A Cairo court sentenced employees of Egyptian and foreign NGOs for unauthorized work and illicit funding. Of the 43 accused, 27 were sentenced in absentia to five years in prison, while 16 present received sentences ranging from suspended one-year terms to two years of actual imprisonment. The verdict also ordered the closure of the NGOs' offices in Egypt. A new NGO law is under discussion, indicating a move to suppress civil society organizations. Most foreign defendants left Egypt last year, except for an American who stayed in solidarity and received a two-year sentence.

What was the main reason for the sentencing of NGO employees in Cairo?

• They were accused of tax evasion.

• They were accused of political activism.

• They were accused of espionage.

• They were accused of working without authorization and receiving illegal funding.

How many of the accused were tried in absentia and what was their sentence?

• 16 were tried in absentia and sentenced to two years.

• 27 were tried in absentia and sentenced to five years.

• 43 were tried in absentia and sentenced to one year.

• None were tried in absentia.

What additional action did the court take against the NGOs?

• Ordered them to pay a fine.

• Mandated community service for employees.

• Ordered the closure of their offices in Egypt.

• Required them to register with the government.

What was the range of sentences given to the 16 defendants present in court?

• Six months to one year of imprisonment.

• One to three years of imprisonment.

• One year suspended to two years actual imprisonment.

• Two to five years of imprisonment.

What was unique about the American defendant's situation?

• He was the only one acquitted.

• He decided to stay in Egypt in solidarity and was sentenced to two years.

• He was sentenced to the longest term.

• He was the only one to receive a suspended sentence.