Egypt: Former Alexandria deputy governor gets 12-year jail sentence

A Cairo criminal court Wednesday pressed a 12-year jail sentence against former deputy governor of Alexandria, the country’s second largest city, on corruption charges.

Souad el-Kholy, appointed in 2015, was locked up two years later in a case linked to misappropriation of state lands and other charges including corruption and bribery.

In addition to 12 years in prison penalty, Souad el-Kholy also received a one-year suspended sentence for bribery, profiteering and squandering public funds. The court acquitted five local businessmen who appeared in the same case.

The former deputy governor has become the first female top official to be convicted for corruption.

The Wednesday verdict is not final and can be appealed.