Egyptian court acquits pro-Morsy supporters

Sixty-two backers of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsy were acquitted on Sunday of involvement in violence that erupted in central Cairo days after his overthrow by the military in July.

The defendants — including Mohammed Badr, a photographer for broadcaster Al Jazeera — faced charges of attempted murder, rioting and blocking traffic in a pro-Morsy protest held on July 16, 2013 in Ramsis Square.

Sixty people, including several policemen, were injured in the violence, according to official figures.

The prosecution was expected to appeal the verdict, media reports said.

The military unseated Mr. Morsy on July 3 after millions of Egyptians took to the streets demanding an end to his one-year rule.

In December, the military-backed government branded Mr. Morsy’s Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group after blaming it for violence, an accusation vehemently denied by the group. Under Egyptian law, terrorism-related charges are punishable by death.