Trial of 23 Ansar Sharia militants postponed till August 10

Cairo Criminal Court on Tuesday postponed till August 10 the trial of 23 defendants of the so-called 'Ansar al Sharia Brigades' over charges of murdering 12 policemen, attempted murder of nine others, possessing firearms and manufacturing explosives.

The court delayed the trial to continue examining exhibits seized with the defendants.

Investigation revealed that prime suspect el Sayyed al Sayyed Ata Morsy formed the terrorist group to spread extremist thoughts, carry out attacks on military and police personnel and target Copts, their places of worship and property.

According to the investigations, the suspect helped the group carry out several terrorist operations, ordered members to fight in Syria, trained others on making bombs and provided them with shelters.