Cairo Appeal Court set on Saturday the trial of political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah and 24 others to take place on 23 March at the Cairo Criminal Court.
The suspects are accused of protesting outside Shura Council on 26 November 2013 without permission, which allegedly caused riots, blocking road and attacks by protesters against security. Prosecution also accused Abdel Fattah of stealing a wirless device from one of the policemen by force. All defendants are also accused of possessing edged weapons, endangering citizens, thuggery and assaulting civil servants while performing duty.
Investigations showed that some political activists made calls on internet for protesting on Qasr al-Ainy street without notifying authorities, which violates law. Around 350 people responded to the call and gathered outside Shura Council, where the 50-member committee that was tasked with amending the constitution used to convene. They shouted slogans against the country and raised banners inciting against it, according to investigations.
Interrogations also revealed that police requested their dispersal, but the protesters insisted on their stance.
Edited translation from MENA
