Cairo, Egypt

An Egyptian court on Monday upheld death sentences for 20 Islamists convicted of killing 13 policemen during violent unrest after the military overthrow of former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

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"The verdict is final and cannot be appealed," a judicial official said.

The case dates back to 2013 when supporters of the ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi gathered in Rabaa el Adawiya Square in Cairo's Nasr City district following his overthrow by the army in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule.

The sit-in was dispersed violently by security personnel after warnings from the government.

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The protesters were also accused of hindering traffic, causing public disorder, and terrifying residents as they possessed weapons.

Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood was banned by the government and most members of the group have received verdicts varying from death to life sentences over charges of violence, killing and espionage.

Morsi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence over inciting deadly clashes between his supporters and opponents in late 2012 as well as a 25-year jail term over leaking classified documents to Qatar.