Alexandria Misdemeanor Court has sentenced ten pro-Morsi students to three years in jail and LE50,000 fines for attending unauthorised protests, Ahram Online's correspondent reported on Wednesday.

They were tried in absentia.

Twenty-seven other students were handed one-year sentences.

The students faced other charges, including blocking the road and attacking police officers.

Muslim Brotherhood members and supporters have been staging frequent protests since president Mohamed Morsi was ousted in July 2013.

But in recent weeks, the momentum of the protests has sharply decreased amid a crackdown that has left thousands in detention and hundreds dead.

Interim President Adly Mansour on Tuesday issued a decree allowing universities to expel students engaging in acts of sabotage that endanger the educational and exam process, or target university facilities.

The decree also specified penalties for those who attack people or property on campuses, or incite or participate in violence.

Since the academic year started in September, students have been at the forefront of defiance against the authorities. The killing and detention of students by the security forces has fueled the demonstrations.

Amid growing tension, the cabinet decided in November to allow police on campuses without the prior authorisation of the university or the prosecution.