An Egyptian court sentenced several dozen workers for non-governmental organizations, including Americans, to jail Tuesday in a case that has infuriated the U.S. government and democratic activists around the world. The workers were accused of having illegal foreign funding. They denied any wrongdoing. All but one of the Americans were sentenced in absentia, having left the country after posting $132,000 each in bail money. In all, 43 NGO workers, including several Americans and other foreigners, were charged. The court sentenced 27 NGO workers in absentia to five-year sentences; 11 defendants to one-year suspended jail sentences; and five others to two-year sentences that were not suspended, the state-run Al Ahram newspaper reported.
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Kerry: The U.S. is "deeply concerned" about the result of "a politically-motivated trial"
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Becker, the one American who stayed to face charges, says he's reviewing appeal options
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Prosecution "had a chilling effect" on human rights groups, activist says
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In all, 43 NGO workers, including several Americans, were charged
Reviewing my legal/appeals options with lawyers," he tweeted, adding that he is maintaining his innocence "on charges of starting @placeholder six years before I actually arrived in Egypt."