CAIRO — An Egyptian court on Saturday handed down a suspended two-year sentence against a female activist convicted of insulting employees at a bank and using abusive language to criticize state institutions. “Membership in an outlawed group” is Egyptian government parlance for having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization that authorities have banned and labeled a terrorist group. Fathy was detained in May after posting a video online criticizing the state for deteriorating public services and unchallenged sexual harassment. The video also shows her using profanities to describe her recent experience at the bank, repeatedly insulting the state. “She is not a criminal and should not be punished for her bravery.”Fathy is the latest victim of the Egyptian authorities’ campaign against activists who speak out against the government.

Source: Washington Post September 29, 2018 14:26 UTC