DHAKA: Egypt appeals courts on Saturday ordered 14 women jailed after a protest to be freed, reducing 11-year prison terms to one-year suspended sentences, as seven girls were also ordered to be released.

The women’s supporters in the Alexandria courtroom chanted ‘God is Great’ as the judge pronounced the ruling, reports The Straits Times.

The girls, who had initially been sentenced to juvenile detention, were ordered freed by a separate court but placed on three-month probation.

The 21 were all convicted last month of taking part in a violent protest demanding Islamist president Mohamed Mursi’s reinstatement following his overthrow by the army in July.

BDST: 2023 HRS, DEC 07, 2013