70 people get 7-25 years for post-coup violence in Egypt

An Egyptian military court on Thursday handed down sentences ranging from seven to 25 years to 70 civilians convicted of committing violence after the 2013 military coup, according to a lawyer for the defendants.

"The military court in Asyut Governorship [south] sentenced 58 civilians to life in prison after being convicted of storming and burning the Magaga Police Station in Minya Governorship," effectively giving them a 25-year sentence, said Khaled al-Koumi, a member of the defendants' defense team.

"The same court sentenced five defendants to 15 years in prison, five to 10 years, and two others to seven years," he added.

He also pointed out that Thursday's verdicts are preliminary and can be appealed before the same court within 60 days.

Egypt was roiled by violence and unrest after the military deposed Mohammed Morsi, the country's first freely elected president, in a 2013 coup.

Since Morsi's overthrow, Egyptian authorities have launched a relentless crackdown on dissent, killing hundreds and sending thousands behind bars.