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Morsi stands defiant as followers rally

Egypt's deposed Islamist president Mohammed Morsi rejects court authority

Egypt's deposed Islamist president Mohammed Morsi rejected the authority of the court trying him and insisted that he remains the country's "legitimate" leader.

He also refused to wear prison clothing for his court appearance as had been ordered by the judge, instead appearing in court wearing a dark blue suit.

Mr Morsi and 14 co-defendants, all prominent figures from his Muslim Brotherhood, face charges of inciting the killing of protesters who massed outside the presidential palace in December, demanding that he call off a referendum on a new constitution drafted by his Islamist allies.

Brotherhood members attacked a sit-in by the protesters, sparking clashes that left 10 people dead.

The defendants could face the death penalty if convicted.

"This is a military coup whose leaders must be put on trial in accordance with the constitution," Mr Morsi declared.

"I am the president of the republic and I am here against my will. What is happening here is providing cover for the military coup."

While he spoke, his co-defendants chanted: "Down with the military coup," obliging Judge Ahmed Sabry Youssef to adjourn the hearing on two occasions.

The military removed Mr Morsi after the public turned against him, with tens of millions of people demanding his removal as they accused him and the Brotherhood of trying to subvert legality and impose their will on the country.

Several hundred Morsi supporters rallied outside the police academy where the proceedings were held, with the venue having been switched on Sunday evening.

They carried posters with his photo and banners depicting an open palm with four fingers, which has been adopted as their symbol by pro-Morsi forces.

The Muslim Brotherhood supporters also chanted slogans against military leader General Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who ordered the president's removal in July.

Mr Morsi and his co-defendants will be held in custody until their trial resumes on January 8.

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