Case of Badie and 13 MB leaders referred to Mufti

Giza Criminal Court decided on Thursday to refer the case of Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie and 13 other leaders to the Grand Mufti for his non legally binding opinion on a possible death sentence.

The final verdict in the Istiqama Mosque trial is expected on August 30.

The convicted Brotherhood leaders include Mohamed al-Beltagy, Essam al-Erian, Bassem Ouda, as well as leaders in the Jama'a al-Islamiya, Assem Abdel Maguid and Safwat Hegazy.

The defendants have been charged with killing 10 and injuring 20 in clashes that took place between members of the ousted Islamist group and residents around Istiqama mosque in Giza following the June 30 protests that toppled former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi.

They have also been accused of inciting violence, committing terrorist acts, vandalizing public and private property and attacking security personnel.

If a death sentence is upheld in this case, it will be the second against Badie, following a similar conviction by Minya Criminal Court, in which he and 183 other Brotherhood members were sentenced to death for violence and terrorism charges.

Badie was also given a life sentence in a third trial by Qalyubiya Criminal Court for blocking Qalyub road along with other Brotherhood leaders.

Meanwhile, some Brotherhood leaders were released pending investigations in the case of violence in Been al-Sarayat following the ouster of Morsi. Those released include Helmy al-Gazzar, Abdel Moneim Abdel Maksoud and Mohamed al-Omda. They have been fined LE100,000 and charged with inciting violence and attempted murder.