Three Muslim Brotherhood Leaders Referred To Trial In Egypt

Supporters of deposed Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi throw stones from behind a makeshift barricade they built as they take cover from the police during clashes in Nasr city area, east of Cairo on July 27.

Egyptian prosecutors have referred three top leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood to trial for allegedly inciting the killing of protesters last month.

The decision is the latest move in a crackdown by the authorities on the Islamist group following the July 3 ouster of President Muhammad Morsi by the military.

The three referred to trial are the group's leader who is on the run, Muhammad Badie, his deputy Khairat el-Shater, and senior leader Rashad Bayoumi.

They are accused of inciting the killing of at least eight protesters outside the Cairo headquarters of the group.

Meanwhile, Egypt's government on July 31 tasked police to take "necessary measures" to end sit-in protests by Morsi supporters, terming them a national-security threat.

In reaction, the U.S. State Department urged Cairo to respect the right of peaceful assembly.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters