An Egyptian court sentenced Peoria native Sam LaHood, and more than 40 non-profit workers, to jail. Sam LaHood is the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the convictions on allegations of using foreign funds to cause unrest in Egypt violate freedom of expression and undercut the country's democratic transition.
The jail time for such a conviction ranges up to five years. Most of the Americans, including LaHood, already left Egypt. He was one of seven Americans banned from leaving the country in 2011 after Egyptian officials raided the offices of the pro-democracy groups they worked for.
Kerry says civic groups play a key role in democracies and urged Egypt's government to address its people's democratic aspirations