On March 24 , an Egyptian court sentenced 529 people to death over violence in the city of Minya . Last ##ly , a policeman was murdered in riots after a crackdown on pro - Morsy sit - ins . The sentences need to be approved by Egypt 's Grand Mufti and can be appealed . The length of the trial and severity of the sentences have drawn criticism .
On March 24 , an Egyptian court sentenced 529 people to death over violence in the city of Minya . Last August , a policeman was murdered in riots after a crackdown on pro-Morsy sit-ins . The sentences need to be approved by Egypt 's Grand Mufti and can be appealed . The length of the trial and severity of the sentences have sparked criticism .