Presenter denies Egyptian president charges

An Egyptian TV presenter accused of inciting the killing of the country’s new president on air has denied the charges at the opening of his trial, the state news agency said.

Supporters of Tawkiq Okasha filled the courthouse, chanting: “With our soul and blood we defend you.”

MENA said the prosecutor accused Mr Okasha of using his TV programme in July and August to incite the killing of president Mohammed Morsi, and of insulting him by calling him an “illegitimate leader and a liar”.

Mr Okasha denied the charges and said it was part of a political row between him and the Muslim Brotherhood group to which Mr Morsi belonged.

If convicted, Mr Okasha could face three years in prison.

The judges postponed the trial to October 3.