CAIRO, Dec 12 (Aswat Masriya) The United States is following closely the trial of Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie and other Islamist leaders in Egypt, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jane Sacchi said in a press conference on Wednesday.

The U.S. official maintained calls for the Egyptian government to end all political arrests.

An Egyptian judge halted the trial of the top Brotherhood leaders on Wednesday after they chanted against the military rule and refused to cooperate with the court.

Badie and other Islamist leaders stand trial for inciting violence and the killing of protesters.

Sacchi added that the U.S. welcomes the release and lighter sentences for Islamist women protesters.

An appeals court in Alexandria has ordered a lighter sentence for 21 women supporting the Muslim Brotherhood after they were sentenced to 11 years for blocking the road while participating in a protest.

The American state department also expressed concern over the "general atmosphere that leads to arrest in Egypt. We renew our calls to the government to grant fair and transparent trials for all Egyptians."