Egypt: Morsy trial postponed

The trial of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsy has been postponed until February 1, CNN reported, citing state-owned media outlets.

Morsy and 14 other members of the Muslim Brotherhood are charged with inciting the murders of at least three protesters outside the presidential palace in 2012.

If convicted, they could face the death penalty.

The second session in their trial was due to take place Wednesday, after a chaotic opening hearing in November.

State-run Nile TV reported that bad weather delayed Morsy's journey by helicopter from the prison where he is being held, citing the head of Alexandria's security forces.

A number of Morsy supporters gathered Wednesday morning outside the police academy where the trial session was to be held. Some were arrested because of skirmishes with the police, according to Nile TV.

Hundreds of protesters also staged a pro-Morsy demonstration after prayers at al-Salam mosque in Cairo's eastern Nasr City area. According to state media and the Muslim Brotherhood's website, they clashed with security forces who fired tear gas.

According to the state run newspaper Al-Ahram, the protesters had planned to march to the nearby police academy.

Meanwhile, roads leading to Cairo's Tahrir Square, scene of many mass public protests, were closed following calls from pro-Morsi forces to march in support of the ousted president during the trial.

Morsy, who was deposed by the military amid widespread protest over his rule, has been held in detention since early July.

The charges stem from December 2012 protests over a constitution Morsy shepherded into effect. Egyptian authorities have accused the former president and his staff of ordering supporters to attack protesters after guards and members of the Interior Ministry refused to do it.

Morsy has said he doesn't recognize the court's authority, claiming he still is Egypt's legitimate president.

Muslim Brotherhood members have continued their protests even though the government declared the group a terrorist organization last month. The government has threatened to arrest anyone who attends Muslim Brotherhood protests or provides financial support to the organization.

Egypt is due to hold a referendum January 14-15 on a new constitution that would ban religious parties and put more power in the hands of the military.