Eight Azhar Student Protesters Given 5-Year Jail Terms

A Cairo court sentenced eight students from Al-Azhar University in Cairo to five years prison and a fine of LE50,000 on Saturday.

The eight defendants were arrested during clashes between security forces and students at Al-Azhar University on 14 May.

They were charged with thuggery, rioting, illegal assembly, resisting authorities, destruction of public property and joining an armed group.

Egyptian campuses witnessed violent clashes between security forces and student protesters who support ousted president Mohamed Morsi over the last academic year. Al-Azhar University in Cairo was a particular hotspot for demonstrations by Morsi loyalist students, who held almost daily protests.

A total of 14 students were killed on Egyptian campuses nationwide in the last year academic year.

Source : Ahram online