CAIRO, Nov 22 (Aswat Masriya) – The Cairo Court of Appeals will begin on Tuesday the trial of four defendants accused of espionage, including two Israeli officers at the Mossad being tried in absentia.

Two detained Egyptians are also implicated in the case, according to a Saturday statement by the Cairo Court of Appeals. They include a former journalist and a former army conscript.

The Supreme State Security Prosecution accused the Egyptian defendants of plotting with the two Israeli officers and providing them with "strategic" intelligence regarding Egypt's domestic situation and the performance of economic facilities.

They were charged with disclosing domestic information with the purpose of "harming national interests" in exchange for money and gifts, the statement read.

The two defendants allegedly admitted to the charge of spying for Israel.