Two supporters of deposed president Mohamed Morsi were sentenced in absentia to three years by a military court for protesting during the hours of Egypt's curfew six weeks ago.

The same court sentenced two more men for two years for the same reason, and acquitted two students who were earlier incriminated in the case.

The curfew was put in place in 14 governorates, including the capital, on 14 August, after nationwide protests and unrest following the deadly dispersal of two sit-ins supporting the ouster of former elected Morsi in Cairo.

The interim-government also put in place a state of emergency, which was extended for two months earlier this week.

The curfew was initially from 7pm to 6am, but was shortened to 9pm on 24 August and 11pm on 31 August, except on Fridays, when it has remained at 7pm.

A governmental source said curfew would be shortened to 12am starting Saturday, but did not clarify if the change would include Fridays, the first day of the weekend and the usual day of the week for planned protests and demonstrations.