Egyptian court sentences 26 people to death for plotting Suez Canal attack

People are seen near a ship crossing the Suez Canal near Ismailia port city, 120 km (75 miles) northeast of Cairo, June 13, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer

(Reuters) - An Egyptian court sentenced 26 people to death on Thursday for plotting attacks on ships passing through the Suez Canal, judicial source said. The defendants were tried in absentia. An Islamist insurgency has gained momentum since the army overthrew president Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in July.