The government this afternoon expressed concern at the decision taken yesterday by a court in Minya in southern Egypt to sentence 529 individuals to death.

In a statement it said Malta opposed capital punishment in all circumstances.

"The death penalty is inhumane and an affront to human dignity.

"While reaffirming its continued support for Egypt’s political transition process, Malta urges the Egyptian authorities to guarantee the rights of all defendants to a fair trial in accordance with international standards and Egypt’s recently adopted Constitution," it said.