Long Jail Terms For Morsi Supporters

An Egyptian protestor covers his face with his national flag during clashes between supporters of Egypt's ousted President Muhammad Morsi and security forces in Cairo on August 30.

An Egyptian military court has sentenced supporters of ousted President Muhammad Morsi to long jail terms over charges of assaulting army troops during riots last month.

On September 3, the court sentenced one Morsi supporter to life in prison. More than 50 others were sentenced to between five and 15 years in jail.Twelve people were acquitted. Initial reports had orginally said that 11 were given life sentences.

The defendants had been accused of shooting and using violence against the military in the city of Suez on August 14 and 16.

The riots were part of nationwide deadly violence sparked by a crackdown on two pro-Morsi encampments in the capital, Cairo.

The supreme guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Badie, has also been arrested, while Morsi has been in custody since his ouster on July 3.

Prosecutors announced this week that Morsi will face trial on charges of inciting the murder of protesters last year.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP