CAIRO: The judges presiding over the trial of leaders of Muslim Brotherhood stepped down from the proceedings Tuesday, citing “uneasiness” over the trial, as the defense lawyers said the panel had come under pressure to hold the trial inside a prison.

The move forces the trial of 35 Brotherhood figures, including the top leader Mohammed Badie, to start all over, though Tuesday’s was only its second session.

Judge Mohammed El-Qarmouti from the three-judge panel at the Cairo Criminal Court announced the decision to step down just before the second session in the trial was to convene, the official said.

Ousted President Muhammad Mursi has rejected the authority of the court that is due to try him next week, his supporters said Monday.