The Cairo Criminal court revoked the death sentence against former president Mohamed Morsi, and ordered a life sentence instead in the espionage trial.

Sixteen other defendants, including Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie and former parliamentary speaker Saad Al-Katatni, received life sentences in the same case.

In addition, leading Brotherhood members Khairat El-Shater, Mohamed Al-Beltagy, and Ahmed Abdel Aaty received death sentences, while others were sentenced to seven years.

The court also ratified the death sentences against 11 defendants in absentia. The court had previously referred the files of the defendants to the Grand Mufti for consultation.

The court is yet to announce the verdict in the Prison Break trial.