Egyptian Defence minister reduces sentences against '8 April officers'

 
 Midan Tahrir, 8 April 2011 (Jonathan Rashad)

Defence Minister General Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has issued an order on Saturday reducing the sentences against 21 "8 April" military officers, who have been arrested and prosecuted for joining demonstrations in April 2011 against the then ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), to a suspended one year prison.
At least 22 officers were arrested on 8 April 2011 during one of the square’s trademark million-man demonstrations against the SCAF, after which the pro-revolution and anti-SCAF detained military personnel became known as the "8 April" officers.
Revolutionaries and the officers' families have been campaigning for the officers' release in mass demonstrations, press statements and solidarity events.  (Al Ahram Oline)