Cairo: The trial of 269 defendants, including prominent pro-democracy activist Ahmad Douma, slid into disarray Saturday after defence lawyers announced withdrawal, citing alleged court bias.
The Cairo Criminal Court said the trial would resume on December 9 after appointing a lawyer for the defendants.
The withdrawing lawyers said their action was in protest against the court’s alleged failure to hear their defence and respond to their demands including a request to summon ex-government officials for testimonies. There was no comment from the court.
The case is related to deadly violence that erupted in late 2011 between security forces and opposition activists outside the cabinet headquarters in central Cairo.
At least 18 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes that continued for three days at the time.
The defendants are charged with attacking security forces, illegally possessing weapons and setting state buildings on fire. They have pleaded not guilty.
The high-profile trial has been postponed several times in recent months. Last week, the presiding judge Mohammad Naji ordered Khaled Ali, a member of the defence lawyers in the case, be questioned allegedly for causing chaos during the session.
Witnesses said Ali, a former presidential contender, shouted at the judge, accusing him of bias.
Douma, a leading participant in the 2011 uprising that forced long-time president Husni Mubarak to step down, is serving three years in prison after found guilty of holding an unauthorized protest in a separate case.
Critics accuse Egyptian authorities of jailing dissidents across the political board on politically inspired charges.
The government has repeatedly denied the accusation, saying that judiciary is independent.
