A flag with the image of Mohamed Morsi is burnt by supporters of Egypt’s military-installed authorities in Alexandria on November 4, 2013/AFP
Cairo November 5- Egypt’s deposed president Mohamed Morsi appeared in court Monday on the first day of his trial for incitement to murder, rejecting its legitimacy and demanding that “coup” leaders be prosecuted.
In his first public appearance since the military toppled him in July, Morsi was indignant and outraged in the makeshift courtroom at a police academy in east Cairo, where his trial was adjourned until January 8.
“I am Dr Mohamed Morsi, the president of the republic,” the defiant Islamist told the court.
In the nearly three hour hearing the judge heard requests from the defendants’ lawyers, who demanded to see all the case files and be allowed to meet their clients privately.
Morsi, held at a secret location since July 3, was then flown to Borg al Arab prison outside Egypt’s second city, Alexandria.
He and 14 co-defendants are accused of inciting violence and the murder of protesters outside the presidential palace in December, charges that could lead to the death penalty or life in prison.
The Islamist leader branded as criminal his overthrow after mass protests against his single year of turbulent rule.
“This was a military coup. The leaders of the coup should be tried. A coup is treason and a crime.”
“I cannot accept for the judiciary to become a cover for the military coup,” he yelled. “I am here involuntarily, and through force.”
Morsi, wearing a dark blue suit, was brought by helicopter and then driven to the heavily fortified police academy.
State television showed Morsi smiling as he stepped out of a white van, buttoning his blue blazer and entering the dock to applause from fellow defendants in white prison uniforms.
Muslim Brotherhood co-defendants Essam al Erian and Mohammed al Beltagui chanted “Down with military rule” at the hearing, as Morsi, his greying beard closely trimmed, smiled and waved at supporters packing the courtroom.
Judge Ahmed Sabry Youssef banned cameras and recording equipment.
Morsi’s supporters, battered by a bloody and sweeping police crackdown, accuse the army installed government of fabricating the charges against him.
They staged anti military rallies across Cairo, including outside the police academy where dozens brandished posters of Morsi and signs bearing anti-military messages.
Thousands also protested outside the constitutional court and some rallies were held in Alexandria.
“Morsi’s trial is a farce. The criminals are trying the legitimate president,” one supporter, Ibrahim Abdel Samd, said.
Security forces sealed off Nahda Square site of a bloody crackdown on Morsi supporters in August and Cairo University, as military vehicles guarded police stations.
The authorities deployed 20,000 policemen for the trial, and warned they would deal with any violence. At least 53 pro Morsi protesters were arrested, security officials said.
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