23 May 2012

Police officers convicted of killings

5:18 am on 23 May 2012

A court in Egypt has convicted five policemen for their role in killing protesters during the uprising which toppled President Hosni Mubarak last year.

The BBC reports they are the first officers to be found guilty and were given sentenced to prison for 10 years.

They were sentenced in absentia. Two other officers were given suspended sentences and 10 more were acquitted.

Fourteen police officers were acquitted of similar offences last Thursday.

Witnesses said police fired live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas during the uprising, in which more than 850 people were killed.

Mr Mubarak is due to learn his fate on 2 June in his trial on charges of ordering the killing of protesters. He could face the death penalty if convicted.