Amnesty International observes two political trials

Key concerns regarding this trial:

• Amnesty International is concerned that the State Supreme Security Court does not guarantee international standards for fair trial , in particular the right for a full review before a higher tribunal.

• Amnesty International is concerned about the political nature of certain charges, including charges of dissemination of false information.

• International human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns over pre-trial irregularities when several accused were held for weeks in detention without having been formally charged.

On 19 November 2000 Amnesty International delegates will attend the session of the Muslim Brothers' trial when the verdict on the trial of 20 professionals is expected.

Key concerns regarding this trial:

• Amnesty International considers the 20 defendants to be prisoners of conscience detained solely for the non-violent expression of their beliefs.

• The trial of civilians before the Egyptian Supreme Military Court violates some of the most fundamental requirements of international law and Egypt's treaty commitments under the requirements of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. These include the right to be tried before an independent and impartial court and the right to appeal to a higher court.