43 Turkish rectors urge Egypt’s Grand Mufti not to approve death sentences

ANKARA – Doğan News Agency

Relatives and families of members of the Muslim Brotherhood react in front of the court after hearing the sentence handed to Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie and other Brotherhood supporters April 28, 2014. REUTERS Photo

The rectors of 43 Turkish universities have sent a joint petition calling on Egypt’s Grand Mufti, Shawki Allam, to not approve the death sentences of 683 members and supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood.

“The execution of the death sentences will open deep scars in Egypt and the Islamic World, damaging justice and the sense of trust,” rectors said the joint letter sent on April 30.

“We express our hope that you will rule with tolerance and justice on stopping the death sentences conveyed by the court to receive your opinion,” it also said.

The signatories of the letter include the rectors of Ankara University, Hacettepe University, Marmara University and Istanbul Technical University.

The rectors’ letter comes amid a wide condemnation of the Egyptian court’s ruling on April 28 to condemn 683 supporters of the ousted president Mohamed Morsi to death, including the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie.