ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates’ state security court on Tuesday began the trial of 30 Emiratis and Egyptians charged with setting up an illegal branch of the Muslim Brotherhood.

A total of 24 defendants attended the hearing in Abu Dhabi, along with family members, civil society representatives and the media, WAM reported. The so-called “Muslim Brotherhood cell” comprises 10 Emiratis and 20 Egyptians, including six who remain at large.

The judge appointed a three-member medical committee to perform check-ups on some defendants before adjourning the proceedings until Nov. 12 to allow more time for lawyers to call in witnesses.

Prosecutor Ahmed Al-Dhanhani accused the group of having “established and managed a branch for ... the international organization of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood, without a permit.”