Egypt sends 19 American non-governmental organization (NGO) workers to trial over funds

CAIRO (AP) -- Egyptian officials say 43 NGO workers, including 19 Americans, have been referred to trial before a criminal court for allegedly being involved in banned activity and illegally receiving foreign funds.

The decision on Sunday by investigating judges is likely to further sour relations between Egypt's military rulers and the United States, the Arab nation's chief western backer for more than 30 years.

Beside the 19 Americans, there are also five Serbs, two Germans and three non-Egyptian Arab nationals among the 43.

The Americans include Sam LaHood, the head of the Egypt office of the Washington-based International Republican Institute and the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

A date has yet to be set for the start of the trial.