Dozens face trial after Cairo protest

[iolsa]

Cairo - Investigating judges are sending 293 Egyptians to trial on charges of resisting the authorities, damaging public property and carrying weapons during an anti-government protest last year.

A three-week sit-in in December outside the Cabinet building turned violent when troops badly beat a protester. In the four days of clashes that followed, 14 people were killed and hundreds injured.

Egypt's military took over after the ousting of longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. The military's rule has been marred by periodic violence.

The defendants, including 24 minors, are also accused of burning a research centre housing old manuscripts.

Egypt's official news agency said on Monday that the minors will be tried in a juvenile court. No date has been set.

The military drew international criticism for its crackdown, including beating women and pursuing journalists. - Sapa-AP



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