An Egyptian court has sentenced Captain Islam Nabih and Corporal Reda Fathi to three years in prison after a video showing the two sodomizing a prisoner with a broomstick was circulated online. The torture victim, Emad al-Kabir, was arrested for intervening to stop an argument between his brother and the officers before he was abused. Both officers are expected to appeal the verdict. Al-Kabir’s trial is a landmark case which has inspired several others to report their own experiences with police brutality.

It is widely known by both the international and local community that torture is systematic in Egyptian jails and police stations. The police department does not comment publicly, but their supporters deny all allegations of systematic abuse and violations of human rights.

Human rights groups have condemned Monday’s ruling, saying that the horrific nature of the crime deserves a much longer jail term. The two officers originally faced up to 15 years in prison. The judge said he was lenient because the accused were “young and inexperienced”. Emad al-Kabir and his lawyer seemed satisfied enough. “Thank God. That’s all I wanted,” al-Kabir shouted as he celebrated the verdict at the courthouse. “I wanted nothing else. It’s justice, finally.” Al-Kabir’s lawyer said the verdict was “the heaviest sentencing of police for torture in 20 years”.

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