Two Egyptians Jailed For Insulting Military Regime

International rights groups are urging Egypt's military government to drop charges against two activists who have been sentenced to six months in prison for chanting antimilitary slogans.

The call comes as Egypt's military faces growing condemnation for cracking down on its critics.

One of the sentenced men, 18-year-old activist Hassan Said, was arrested in Cairo on August 2 just a day after soldiers and police violently dispersed a weeks-long sit in by protesters demanding a civilian government.

The second man sentenced on August 17 was 23-year-old Karim Sayid. Details about his arrest were not immediately available.

Egypt's military council has been in power since a popular revolt ousted President Hosni Mubarak in February.

The military regime has promised to hand over government to civilians after a presidential election, but has yet to schedule the vote.

compiled from agency reports