CAIRO, May 24 (Aswat Masriya) - An Egyptian criminal court sentenced a Muslim Brotherhood member to death on Sunday for accusations of joining a group established in violation of the law.

The defendant was arrested in March 2014, eventually released and today, he was sentenced in absentia. His papers have already gone through the Grand Mufti to issue an opinion on handing him a death sentence.  

A referral to the mufti is a step that must be taken within Egypt's court system ahead of handing a death sentence, even though the mufti's opinion is advisory and is not binding. 

There is room for appeal after a primary death sentence. Even if the defendants do not lodge one, prosecutors automatically do.  

Today's sentencing comes after dozens were referred to the mufti last week, including Brotherhood politician and former president Mohamed Mursi, as well as several other Brotherhood leading figures.

Also last week, six people were executed at dawn by Egyptian authorities after being sentenced by a military tribunal, on "terror" related charges. 

Bombings and shootings targeting security forces have surged since the military ouster of Mursi in July 2013, following mass protests against his rule.

Egypt listed the Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation in December 2013 and insists it is behind the wave of militancy which has targeted security personnel since July 2013. The Brotherhood continuously denies the accusations.