Harsh sentence for 12 pro-Morsi protesters: Egypt

An Egyptian court sentenced 12 people to 17 years in prison each over charges linked to their attack on Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's main seat of learning.
Ousted President Mohammed Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood group described the defendants, who may appeal the ruling, as Morsi supporters.
Cairo's El-Gamaliya Misdemeanor Court today also set bail for each defendant at 64,000 Egyptian pounds (USD 9,000) pending any appeal.
The verdict said the defendants were convicted for "gathering to influence authorities and impede implementation of the law," as well as thuggery, assault, sabotage and other charges.
On October 30, supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi held a demonstration outside Al-Azhar headquarters. MENA says protesters hurled chunks of marble at the building and verbally insulted the grand imam.