An Egyptian criminal court ordered that several leading Islamists have their detention renewed for another 45 days, after accepting an appeal by Egypt's High State Security Prosecution against a previous court order which ordered their release.

The High State Security Prosecution had appealed a criminal court's decision to release controversial preacher Mahmoud Shaaban and 10 other defendants being investigated in what is known as the “Salafist Front” case.

The specialised prosecution service also appealed against the release of the head of the Independence Party, Magdi Hussein, and four other leading figures in the former Muslim Brotherhood-led "National Alliance in Support of Legitimacy" case.

The High State Security Prosecution is responsible for investigating cases related to terrorism and national security.

The prosecution accuses the defendants of joining an outlawed group, establishing the National Alliance, and inciting to obstruct governmental institutions.