Egypt trial for exiled cleric

Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, exiled spiritual guide of Egypt's militant el-Gamaat el-Islamiya, went on trial in absentia as police said they foiled a bomb attack after a shoot-out at Cairo University, AFP reports from Faiyum.

The trial of the 55-year-old blind cleric, who has lived in self-exile in the US since 1990, opened under tight security in Faiyum, 60 miles from Cairo. But it was adjourned until 8 June, at the request of the defence and prosecution, to allow time to call the Sheikh to court.