(VOVworld) - An Egyptian criminal court on Monday handed down a life sentence to the spiritual leader of the Muslim Brotherhood along with 35 other members of the outlawed Islamist group.

Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed Badie (C), seen here in 2015, is one of thousands of Brotherhood leaders and members arrested in the last three years (AFP Photo/Khaled Desouki )

Egypt's state-run MENA news agency reported that Mohamed Badie, the group's "Supreme Guide," was among those found guilty of engaging in violent acts following the 2013 ouster of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi. The court also sentenced 48 defendants to jail terms ranging from three to 15 years, and acquitted 20 others.

Since the coup to topple President Mohamed Morsi in July, 2013, Cairo has enhanced suppression of Morsi’s supporters. Over 14,000 people were killed in street clashes while 16,000 others were arrested.