The Military Supreme Court has sentenced a thug to a life sentence for attacking a civilian. The term “thug” has been used almost exclusively in Egypt in reference to the masses of men who took advantage of the revolution to rob and attack civilians.

The defendant, Karam Abdel Aziz was sentenced to life in prison for mugging Tarek Mohamed on Obour Road of his money and mobile phone before attempting to attack him.

This is the first life sentence handed out to a thug.

The court also sentenced a group of thugs to sentences varying from three to seven years.

Thugs have terrorised Egyptians since the end of the 18-day revolution when many attacked civilians, stole property and ruled the street.

Last week it was announced that Egypt’s new Prime Minister Essam Sharaf discussed a new law in the cabinet’s first meeting that will inflict a severe punishment on thugs, including execution.