UK media is reporting that the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) has condemned the death sentences handed down this week to the Supreme Guide of the Muslim Brotherhood and 683 Brotherhood supporters. According to a Reuters report:
International Union of Muslim Scholars
DUBAI May 1, 2014 An association of Muslim scholars led by influential Qatar-based cleric Youssef al-Qaradawi has condemned death sentences passed by an Egyptian court against 683 supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood as an act of revenge against political opponents.
The comments by the preacher linked to the Brotherhood could hamper efforts to end a diplomatic row that grew out of differences over Gulf security and policy over the 2013 overthrow of Egypt’s Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.
Qaradawi’s previous sermons and comments against the army-backed government installed after Mursi was ousted have been cited as one reason for a rift between some Gulf Arab states, led by regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia, and Qatar that had led to the unprecedented step of withdrawing ambassadors from Doha.
The 70-year-old leader of the Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, and 682 supporters were sentenced to death on Monday, intensifying a crackdown that could trigger protests ahead of this month’s presidential election.
The GMBDW reported earlier this week that an Egyptian court had recommended the death sentence for Dr. Mohamed Badie, the Supreme Guide of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, along with 682 Brotherhood supporters.
