Morsi spy case on hold, lawyers want new judges

CAIRO, Feb 27 (AFP): A court in Egypt on Thursday suspended the espionage trial of deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi after defence lawyers requested that the judges in the case withdraw.
The case, one of three already opened against Morsi, comes amid a relentless government crackdown targeting him and his Muslim Brotherhood movement since the army removed him last July.
Prosecutors accuse Morsi and 35 others, including Brotherhood leaders, of conspiring with foreign powers, Palestinian militant movement Hamas and Shiite Iran to destabilise Egypt.
"The court decided to stop looking into the case until a decision is taken on the recuse request" filed by defence lawyers, presiding judge Shaaban el-Shamy said before ending Thursday's brief hearing.