Egyptian Military Court Jails Protesters for Attacking Army

Supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi cross the Nile as they march towards downtown Cairo from the Mohandeseen neighborhood of Cairo, Egypt, Aug. 16, 2013.

An Egyptian military court sentenced supporters of deposed Islamist President Mohamed Morsi to long jail terms on Tuesday on charges of attacking soldiers in the city of Suez, a military statement said.

The violence in Suez broke out after security forces crushed Cairo protest camps demanding Morsi's reinstatement. Their action triggered clashes across the country in which hundreds of people were killed, including dozens of policemen.

The statement said one person had been sentenced to life in prison for the Suez clashes, three people to 15 years in jail, and 45 others to five years. Twelve people were acquitted.

The army-backed government has been widening its crackdown on Islamists. Top leaders of Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood have been put on trial on charges of inciting violence.

More than 1,000 people have been killed since the army toppled Morsi on July 3, after mass protests against his rule.