Egypt sentences 17 prisoners, some to life, for links to Muslim Brotherhood

An Egyptian court sentenced 17 prisoners on Sunday to sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment, Egyptian media reported on Sunday.

The Supreme State Security Court, which tackles terror-related cases, tried 22 prisoners - including three minors and one woman - on terrorism-related charges. The defendants were also accused of belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, which is outlawed in Egypt.

Five defendants were acquitted, while others received sentences ranging from five years to life in prison, according to local media.

Rights groups have repeatedly criticised such mass trials in Egypt and called on authorities to ensure fair trials.

The Muslim brotherhood was elected to power in 2012 after the popular 2011 revolution that toppled authoritarian leader Hosni Mubarak.

However the Islamist party was outlawed in 2013 after a military coup led by General Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, the current Egyptian leader. Egyptian authorities have since been cracking down on its members, dozens of whom have been jailed, as well as on pro-democracy activists, journalists and online critics.

Thousands of political prisoners are estimated to remain inside Egypt's jails, many without trial. At the end of April, Egypt released more than three dozen prisoners to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is typically a time of amnesty.