Egypt sentences ex-minister, his 2 sons for corruption

Egypt's Criminal Court has convicted and sentenced former Information Minister, Safwat el-Sharif and two of his sons for corruption to between five and 10 years in prison.

El-Sharif and his son Ihab were each sentenced to five years. El-Sharif's second son, Ashraf, was sentenced to 10 years in absentia. 

The court fined all three a total of 24 million dollars. 

The court said El-Sharif had abused his power and together with his sons illegally amassed huge amounts of money, along with real estate. 

El-Sharif served as Information Minister and later as Speaker of the Parliament's Upper Chamber. 

He was a close ally of ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

SOURCE: NEWS24