Court sentences Morsi to 20 years

An Egyptian court sentenced ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi to 20 years in prison on Tuesday over the killings of protesters in 2012 - the first verdict to be issued against the country's first freely elected leader.

The ruling, which can be appealed, reflects the dramatic downfall of Morsi and the drastic challenges facing Egypt since its 2011 uprising that forced longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak from power.

Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood group rose swiftly to power in elections after Mubarak's removal. But they found themselves behind bars a year later when millions protested against them for abusing power and when the military overthrew the government.

But as Mubarak and members of his government increasingly find themselves acquitted of criminal charges, Morsi and the Brotherhood are on the receiving end of heavy sentences.

During Tuesday's hearing, Judge Ahmed Youssef issued his verdict as Morsi and other defendants - mostly Muslim Brotherhood leaders - stood in a soundproof glass cage inside a makeshift courtroom at Egypt's National Police Academy. Seven of the accused were tried in their absence.

In addition to Morsi, 12 Brotherhood leaders and Islamist supporters were also sentenced to 20 years.

Youssef dropped murder charges involved in the case and said the sentences are linked to the "show of force" and unlawful detention.

The case stems from violence outside the presidential palace in December 2012. Morsi's supporters attacked opposition protesters, sparking clashes that killed at least 10 people.

During the hearing, Morsi and the other defendants, wearing white jumpsuits, raised a four-finger sign symbolizing a sit-in at the Rabaah al-Adawiya mosque.

Hundreds were killed at the mosque when security forces violently dispersed a sit-in staged by Morsi's supporters on Aug 14, 2013.

Morsi faces three other trials on charges including undermining national security and orchestrating a prison break.