Ousted Morsi goes on trial

Egypt’s ousted leader Mohammed Morsi has gone on trial in Cairo.

He and 14 other” Muslim Brotherhood” figures face charges of inciting the killing of protesters outside the presidential palace in 2012.

After Morsi’s remarks and his refusal to wear a uniform, the judge adjourned the trial until 8 January,according to BBC.

He was then flown to Burj al-Arab prison in Alexandria, state TV said.

Earlier reports had suggested that he would be taken to Tora prison on the outskirts of Cairo. Until now he had been held at a secret military location.

There was so much noise and disruption during what was at times almost a circus-like hearing that the judge had to adjourn proceedings twice.

Morsi interrupted the first session at least three times before the judge adjourned.

He sat quietly during the first break in the trial and was surrounded by some of his fellow defendants, members of the “Brotherhood “he has not seen since he was removed by the military.

Morsi was ousted by the military in July after protests against his rule.

Early on Monday Morsi was brought into the sprawling Police Academy compound by helicopter. Other defendants, including Essam el-Erian, Mohammed al-Beltagi and Ahmed Abdel Aatie, were said to have arrived in armoured personnel carriers.

No television pictures were broadcast from the court although journalists were allowed in for the former president’s first public appearance since he was deposed on 3 July.

The judge twice temporarily halted proceedings before adjourning the case until January.

The trial had been due to take place at Tora prison on the other side of Cairo but had been switched late on Sunday, apparently to deter protesters.

M.D