Egypt ex-President Morsi ‘arrives for jail escape trial’

Egypt’s former Islamist President Mohammed Morsi has arrived at a court in Cairo to go on trial over his escape from prison in 2011, state media say.

He was taken to the court by helicopter from a prison in Alexandria, Mena news agency reports.

Mr Morsi, Egypt’s first freely-elected president, was deposed by the military in July 2013 after mass protests against his rule.

He is now facing four separate criminal trials on various charges.

Tight security was in evidence around the Police Academy in Cairo where the trial was due to take place.

Another 130 people are also facing charges in the trial.

Mr Morsi stands accused of organising a mass breakout from the Wadi al-Natrun prison during the 2011 uprising, as well as the murder of prison officers.

He is due to appear in a glass box during the trial and according to reports will only be permitted to speak after raising his hand.

When he first appeared in court in November, he refused to recognise the court’s legitimacy or put on the required prison uniform.