The Cairo Criminal Court suspended Monday the trial of 23 defendants of the so-called 'Ansar al Sharia Brigades' until it examines the defense's request for the court to recuse itself.

The defendants face charges of murdering 12 policemen, attempted murder of nine others, possessing firearms and manufacturing explosives.

Investigations revealed that prime suspect el Sayyed al Sayyed Ata Morsy formed the terrorist group to spread extremist thoughts, carry out attacks on military and police personnel and target Copts, their places of worship and property.

According to the investigations, the suspect helped the group carry out several terrorist operations, ordered members to fight in Syria, trained others on making bombs and provided them with shelters. 

Source : MENA