Egypt's state prosecution ordered on Monday the arrest of 72 defendants for 15 days pending investigations in relation to Saturday's killings of 80 supporters of deposed President Mohamed Mursi, who were holding a vigil near Rabaa al-Adawiya Mosque. 

The prosecution also issued an arrest warrant against Islamist preacher Safwat Hegazi who is an ardent supporter of Mursi and a frequent speaker at Rabaa's podium.

The defendants were accused of murder, attempted murder, vandalism, resisting authorities and terrorizing citizens.

They were also charged with possession of explosives, unlicensed weapons and ammunition, as well as the destruction of private property.

Supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi have rallied in the Nasr City square for about a month to demand that their democratically elected president be reinstated.

After Egypt's army ousted the Islamist president on July 3 following massive demonstrations across the country, violent confrontations erupted between his supporters and opponents or security forces.