The trial of Egypt’s deposed Islamist President Mohammad Morsi and 35 others on charges of espionage and collaborating with the Palestinian Hamas movement is expected to begin on Sunday.
Morsi, along with others including former aides and leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood, have been accused of launching a “terrorist” campaign inside Egypt in collaboration with Hamas and jihadists.
They are accused “of spying for the international organization of the Muslim Brotherhood, its military wing and Hamas movement, and carrying out terror attacks inside the country against state property, institutions and their employees to spread chaos,” state news agency MENA previously reported.
The defendants could face the death penalty if found guilty.
Morsi’s supporters have faced a government crackdown since his July 3 ouster by the army.
Human rights watchdog Amnesty International urged Egypt last week to ensure Morsi and his aides receive a fair trial in accordance with international standards.
In a statement released on Friday, Amnesty International voiced alarm over what it described as the harsh treatment of 35 inmates, including former aides of the ousted president.
It also called on Egyptian authorities to allow the defendants access to their families, lawyers and needed medical treatment.
