The Sharqeya Criminal Court referred 12 people to Egypt’s Grand Mufti to advise on their death sentences for their affiliation with “Islamic State”, according to state-owned newspaper Al-Ahram.
The final verdict is scheduled to be issued on 12 September.
The court also handed three-year sentences to two other defendants in the same case for promoting extremist ideologies.
The referral of defendants to the Grand Mufti marks a procedural step prior to approving final death sentences.
“Islamic State” affiliates in Egypt are known as “State of Sinai”, and were formerly known as Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis before pledging allegiance to “Islamic State”.
Another 213 alleged members of Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis are facing trial, in a separate case, for committing at least 54 criminal acts, which include forming and running a terrorist organisation that aims to disrupt the rule of law and prevent state institutions from carrying out their duties.
“State of Sinai” have claimed responsibility for almost all the insurgent activities taking place in the North Sinai area, via affiliated social media accounts.
