Egypt to Resume Morsi Trial
Egypt is scheduled to resume the trial of ousted president Mohamed Morsi on charges of inciting murder and violence against anti-government protesters in 2012.
Authorities blocked off roads and boosted security Wednesday outside the police academy where the trial is being held.
The trial opened in November, but that initial session lasted just minutes after Morsi rejected the proceedings and insisted that he was Egypt's legitimate president.
Egypt's army removed him from power in July after opposition protests accusing him of trying to monopolize power. Authorities have since spent months cracking down on his Muslim Brotherhood, including arresting many of its leaders and declaring it a terrorist group.
More than 1,000 people, mainly pro-Morsi Islamists, have been killed in the crackdown, but protests continue.
The trial comes as Egypt begins a referendum on a new constitution. Egyptians living abroad are able to cast their ballots Wednesday through Sunday, while the voting in Egypt is set to take place next week. Elections for a new president and parliament are planned for later this year.
Source: Voice of America
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