The sentencing of hundreds of people to death in Egypt face following a mass trial has been strongly condemned by the United Nations.

On Monday a judge in the Criminal Court in Al-Minya sentenced 683 people to death in a trial that has been criticized for not meeting international standards for justice.

The defendants, among other charges, were accused of killing a policeman and breaking into a police station in Minya in August last year.

The UN human rights office in Genera has expressed concern about the death sentences and reminded Egypt of its commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Nicki Chadwick has more.

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