The Cairo Criminal Court on Sunday postponed to January 19 the trial of 23 defendants of the so-called "Ansar al Sharia Brigades" over charges of murdering 11 policemen, attempted murder of nine others, possessing firearms and manufacturing explosives.

The delay decision was taken after 18 defendants in custody failed to appear in the trial session for security reasons

The court also delayed the trial to continue examining exhibits seized with the defendants.

Investigation 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