An Egyptian court official says a judge has barred photographers from taking courtroom pictures of 26 men on trial in connection to their suspected homosexuality, after their families protested.
The case has captured public attention. Scenes of half-naked men covering their faces behind towels escorted by policemen out of a bathhouse were filmed and later aired in a late night TV program, causing an uproar among activists.
The trial opened Sunday to a raucous courtroom as families quarreled with journalists who attempted to photograph their relatives in the dock. The official said the panel of judges ordered the photographers out of the courtroom. The panel also summoned the TV program presenter to testify in the next session, scheduled Jan. 4.
He spoke anonymously because he wasn't authorized to brief reporters.
