The Cairo Criminal Court on Saturday sentenced 75 people to death, including top figures of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, for their involvement in the 2013 sit-in by supporters of former president Mohammed Morsi in Cairo’s Rabaa al-Adawiya Square.
The court’s decision was referred to Grand Mufti Shawqi Allam for his non-binding opinion on the sentences. He usually approves the court's decision.
Sentencing for more than 660 others was set for Sept. 8.
The case involves 739 defendants. Charges range from murder to damaging public property.
The 2013 sit-in supported Morsi who was ousted following mass protests against his one-year rule. Morsi hailed from the Brotherhood.
The sit-in was violently dispersed. Hundreds of Brotherhood members and supporters, and dozens of police were killed.
