Egypt upholds death sentence for 12 for murder of policeman

(Reuters) – An Egyptian court confirmed death sentences on Wednesday against 12 Muslim Brotherhood supporters convicted of killing a police officer last year, judicial sources said.

Judge Moataz Khafagy first passed the death sentence against the men in June and referred the case to a top religious authority for approval, the first step to imposing death penalties.

Seven of the defendants were present in court when the judge read the ruling. The remaining five are on the run. The defendants still have the right to appeal.