Morsi Trial Adjourned After Judge Accused Of Bias

The trial of Muhammad Morsi, Egypt's ousted Islamist-backed president, and his top aides for the killing of protesters in 2012 has been adjourned after a defense lawyer demanded judges dismiss themselves for alleged bias.

An appeal court is expected to appoint new judges on March 3.

Defense attorney Mohammed al-Masri said one of the judges had given his opinion in a recent state television interview.

"If the court does not step down willingly, then its ruling will be considered invalid," Masri told the court.

Prosecutors allege that Morsi and 14 others, mainly from his administration and the Muslim Brotherhood, incited supporters to kill protesters outside in December 2012.

Morsi faces three other trials on separate charges of conspiring with foreign groups, a 2011 escape from prison, and contempt for judges.

Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and Al-Ahram