Trial of 213 of Ansar Beit al Maqdis defendants delayed to 19 Sept.

CAIRO - 9 Sep 2017: The Cairo Criminal Court delayed on Saturday 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 September 19.

The postponement decision was made to hear the testimonies of witnesses.

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

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.