“It is with the greatest concern that we are following the news of hundreds of death sentences being handed down to members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

Neither the verdicts nor the trials are in conformity with rule‑of‑law standards nor do they uphold the principles of human rights to which Egypt has committed itself.

Germany is opposed to the death penalty as an inhumane form of punishment.

I call upon the Egyptian judicial authorities concerned to revoke these sentences and let the accused have a fair trial. Further mass sentencing must be stopped.

These verdicts are deepening the political divide in Egypt. In order to prevent the country from destabilising, an inclusive political process and a policy of national understanding and reconciliation are of the essence.”