Cairo Criminal Court has sentenced six defendants to death in absentia in the “storming of Ghad-Al Thawra Party” case. 

In trial sessions, the prosecution accused the defendants of attempted murder, show of force, endangering public safety, and illegal possession of weapons. 

The case stems from the torching of the headquarters of the liberal opposition party in Cairo’s Downtown in February 2013. The incident allegedly came after party founder, Ayman Nour, said he wouldn't mind taking up a leadership position if invited by then President Mohamed Morsi.

Party members stated that the attack was carried out by six masked men holding bladed weapons and firearms, who then held the members captive while they stole documents and videotapes from the office, before setting the offices ablaze. 

Ghad-Al Thawra Party is associated with founder and opposition figure Ayman Nour who is perceived as critical of Egypt's current state leaders. Seen as a supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood, Nour announced he is leaving Beirut to Turkey, and then to Europe, after Egypt refused to renew his passport. 

The party was first licensed in 2004 as Al-Ghad Party. It later retreated from the political scene due to internal struggles and legal disputes. The party then resurfaced as a licensed political party in October 2011 under the name Ghad-Al Thawra.