Egypt TV chief Tawfiq Ukasha denies Mursi murder charge

An Egyptian TV station owner and presenter has denied calling for the murder of President Mohammed Mursi.

“I merely criticised President Mursi,” Tawfiq Ukasha told judges at the start of his trial in the capital, Cairo. Mr Ukasha’s al-Faraeen channel was ordered off the air last month after a programme critical of Mr Mursi and the Muslim Brotherhood that backs him. The editor of an opposition newspaper, Islam Afifi, has also been charged with insulting Mr Mursi. Mr Afifi, who edits the small, independent newspaper al-Dustour, was held in custody last month until President Mursi passed a law banning the pre-trial detention of journalists. It was the first law issued by Mr Mursi since assuming legislative powers from the military council – a move designed to counter criticism that the president and his Muslim Brotherhood backers are trying to suppress the opposition, correspondents say. Mr Ukasha is seen as a fierce critic of the Brotherhood and supporter of the military. His trial was adjourned until 3 October. His supporters gathered outside the Cairo court building chanting, “We want al-Faraeen”.