Trial of 213 Ansar Beit al-Maqdis defendants delayed to May 313

Cairo Criminal Court delayed on Sunday the trial of 213 defendants of Ansar Beit al Maqdis militant group who had been charged with involvement in 54 terrorist crimes against police forces to May 19.

The crimes include a failed assassination attempt against former interior minister Mohamed Ibrahim, the killing of a number of police officers and setting security facilities, including the security directorates of Cairo, Dakahlia and South Sinai ablaze.

They also face charges of joining a terrorist group aiming at disrupting the country's national security and public order, collaborating with a foreign organization (Hamas) to sabotage state institutions, illegal possession of arms and ammunition and premeditated murder.