Cairo - An official in Egypt says a military court has sentenced seven alleged militants to death and two to life in prison for their roles in a pair of attacks that killed nine soldiers.
The military official said the court issued its final decision on Tuesday. Human rights groups criticise military trials for hasty procedures, harsh sentences, and limited transparency. The verdicts can be appealed.
Six of the defendants were arrested in March following a raid on their hideout on the outskirts of Cairo, during which two officers were killed.
The defendants, allegedly members of the al-Qaeda-inspired militant group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, are accused of plotting two attacks against a military bus and a military checkpoint, killing seven soldiers. One of the defendants was tried in absentia.