Journalist accused of inciting president's death

CAIRO (AP):

Egypt's state news agency says a popular TV presenter accused of inciting the killing of the country's new president on air has denied the charges in the opening of his trial.

Supporters of Tawkiq Okasha filled the courthouse yesterday, chanting, "With our soul and blood we defend you."

MENA said the prosecutor accused 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".

Okasha denied the charges and said it was part of a political row between him and the Muslim Brotherhood group to which Morsi belonged. If convicted, Okasha can face three years in prison.