Publish date4 Nov 2013 - 9:37
Story Code : 144659

Egypt changes venue for trial of ousted president

Egyptian authorities have suddenly changed the venue of the trial of ousted president, Mohammed Morsi, over growing fears of violence and bloodshed.
Egypt changes venue for trial of ousted president


Speaking at a news conference in Cairo, appeals court judge Medhat Idris gave no reason for the change of venue, saying that the court wants to hold the trial in a police academy in eastern Cairo on Monday.

The last-minute change comes after Morsi’s supporters called for a mass rally outside the initial venue

Morsi will be facing charges of inciting violence and murder in connection with clashes outside the presidential palace in December.

Earlier, Morsi’s son, Osama Morsi, said his family will not attend the trial as they do not consider it to be legitimate. He added that his father has been kidnapped and held hostage.

Morsi was arrested and taken to an undisclosed location after being ousted by the military in early July.

The former president has also called his upcoming trial and all related proceedings illegal. Morsi stated that he will defend himself in court and there would be no need for any lawyers.

In a video clip handed to al-Watan newspaper, Morsi said that he still considers himself the country’s legitimate president.

On Friday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets across the country to oppose Morsi's trial, demanding the reinstatement of the country’s first democratically-elected president.

They also demanded justice for Muslim Brotherhood supporters killed in the army crackdown following Morsi’s ouster.

A large number of Brotherhood’s officials and supporters have been held in custody by the military and police forces over the past few months.

Hundreds of supporters of the group have been killed in clashes with the army over the past few months.

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