Two Morsi supporters get death sentence in Egypt

An Egyptian criminal court sentenced two supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi to death Saturday over killing of youths during last year protests, state media reported.

The two Islamists were accused of throwing young men from the roof of a building in the coastal city of Alexandria during violent acts that erupted over Morsi's disposal, Xinhua reported.

The court has, however, referred the verdict to the grand mufti, the government's official interpreter of Islamic law, for review. The mufti's opinion is consultative.

The Islamists were also accused of joining terrorist groups, hindering the traffic, burning public utilities, possessing weapons, and disturbing public order.

The trial of another 61 involved in the same case was adjourned till May 19.

On Monday, a criminal court in Upper Egypt had sentenced some 529 people to death over charges of assaulting police stations last year. They were convicted of charges including murdering a policeman and attacking people and property.

This group was among some 1,200 Muslim Brotherhood supporters on trial, including senior members

The mass death sentence drew condemnation from human rights groups, the UN and the west.