Trial set in Egypt for U.S. activists

CAIRO, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Egypt's ruling military council said Saturday it will go ahead with the trial of foreign democracy activists, including 19 Americans.

The trial date is set for February 26, MENA reported. The American defendants, some of whom have taken refuge in the U.S. Embassy, are prohibited from leaving the country until then, Voice of America reported.

Sam LaHood, son of U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, is among the defendants.

The U.S. government has warned that Egypt could lose $1.3 billion in U.S. military aid if it goes forward with the trial.