Morsi’s Trial on Charges of Killing Protesters Adjourned to Sunday

The trial of ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi and 14 co-defendants on charges of inciting murder of opposition protesters in 2012 was adjourned on Saturday to the following day.

Morsi, his presidential aides, and senior Muslim Brotherhood leaders, are accused of inciting the murder and torture of protesters outside the presidential palace in December 2012.

The court screened a video of Salafist Nour Party spokesman Nader Bakkar criticising the Muslim Brotherhood, as part of footage made available by the state Television and Radio Union on the violence. During the screening, the defendants turned their back to court in objection.

Defence lawyer Mohamed El-Damaty also objected, saying that the Television and Radio Union was not a neutral body and should not supervise the footage.

The trial was adjourned to allow the court to inspect witness accounts.

At least ten people were killed during protests in December 2012, triggered by a presidential decree that expanded then-president Morsi’s powers.

Video footage of the deadly clashes prepared by a technical committee from the state broadcaster is being reviewed.

Morsi, who was removed from power by the army in July amid huge protests against his year-long rule, is currently facing four separate trials.

Much of the group’s upper echelons are behind bars and facing trials for inciting violence and other charges.

Source: Ahram Online