Egyptian Gays In Trouble

Dozens of men have pleaded innocent in Egypt in a case that's shocked conservative Egyptians and raised human rights concerns.

The 52 men had been arrested at an alleged homosexual gathering. Two were accused of religious offenses and the others with having gay sex.

The handcuffed men shouted and sobbed as the prosecutor read the charges Wednesday. Some entered the courtroom covering their faces with towels to hide from cameras.

The trial has caused an uproar in Egypt, where homosexuality is seen as a sin. International human rights groups have protested the arrests, which happened on a Nile river boat restaurant in May.

The case has been adjourned until mid-August.

Police at first said the men were having a gay sex party — but prosecutors changed tack and said the group was meeting with a self-styled preacher.

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