Court examines procedures for retrial of defendant over church arson attack

CAIRO - 23 August 2018: Giza Criminal Court will continue on September 4 examining procedures for the retrial of a defendant implicated in setting fire to a church in the Giza district of Kerdasa shortly after the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

The arsonist, identified as Abdel Hadi Rabei, was sentenced, in absentia, to life in the case.

The defendant is among others charged with setting fire to the five-floor Kafr Hakim church on August 14, 2013. 

Aside from torching a church, the defendants in the case were accused of possessing weapons and ammunition, blocking roads, resisting authorities and belonging to an outlawed group.