CAIRO, Nov 28 (Aswat Masriya) - An Egyptian court has sentenced on Monday 11 people to five years in prison over charges of illegally protesting on Nov.11.

They were among tens detained during protests against austerity measures and increase in prices of basic commodities earlier this month. 

A Facebook page called Movement of the Poor had called for Egyptians to protest on Nov. 11 against deepening austerity measures, but protests failed to materialise as authorities imposed a big security clampdown.

The defendants were accused of "protesting without a permit, possessing publications that incite against the state, and promoting false news to discredit the reputation of the state."

Besides the prison sentence, the defendants were ordered to pay an EGP 200 fine each. 

A protest law issued in November 2013 requires assembly organisers to notify security sources of their plans in advance, granting the interior ministry the right to cancel protests. 

The law has been widely criticised by domestic and international human rights organisations which say it violates international standards that allow for peaceful protests.