An Egyptian court has handed down 75 death sentences, 47 life sentences, and prison sentences ranging from 5 to 15 years to 612 people, over a 2013 sit-in which ended with the killing of hundreds of protesters by security forces.

Key points: Of the 739 tried, cases were dropped against five people who had died while in prison

Of the 739 tried, cases were dropped against five people who had died while in prison Amnesty International said at least 900 protesters were killed by security forces in the crackdown

Amnesty International said at least 900 protesters were killed by security forces in the crackdown The government said eight members of the security forces were killed

The sentencing concluded the mass trial of some 739 people accused of offences including murder and inciting violence during the pro-Muslim Brotherhood protest at Rabaa Adawiya square in Cairo.

The government says many protesters were armed and that eight members of the security forces were killed. It initially said more than 40 police had died.

Najia Bounaim, North Africa campaigns director at Amnesty International, said at least 900 protesters were killed by security forces in the crackdown, yet "not a single police officer has been brought to account for the killing".

"We condemn today's verdict in the strongest terms," he said, referring to the trial as "a mockery of justice".

Photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid received five years imprisonment, meaning he will walk free for time served. ( AP: Roger Anis )

In Saturday's hearing at the vast Tora prison complex south of Cairo, a criminal court sentenced to death by hanging several prominent Islamists including senior Brotherhood leaders Essam al-Erian and Mohamed Beltagi and preacher Safwat Higazi.

Photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid, known as Shawkan, was sentenced to five years, which he has already served.

Abu Zeid was awarded a United Nations press freedom prize this year.

He was charged with belonging to a banned group and possessing firearms.

Cases were dropped against five people who had died while in prison, judicial sources said, without giving further details.

Muslim Brotherhood members carry a protester injured during clashes with the police on Saturday. ( Reuters: Asmaa Waguih )

Hundreds of political opponents sentenced to death

The protest had followed weeks of protests in 2013 against the ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi by the military — led at the time by Egypt's current president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Rights groups have criticised the trial for including many peaceful protesters and journalists.

Since Mr Sisi was elected president in 2014, authorities have justified a crackdown on dissent and freedoms as being directed at militants and saboteurs trying to undermine the state.

Morsi supporters shout slogans during a protest rally at Rabaa Adawiya square. ( Reuters: Abd El Ghany )

Death sentences have been handed down to hundreds of his political opponents on charges such as belonging to an illegal organisation or planning to carry out an attack.

Supporters say a security crackdown is needed to stabilise Egypt, which still faces an Islamist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula and is reeling financially from years of unrest.

Critics say the erosion of freedoms and silencing of political opponents is the worst Egypt has seen in its modern history.

ABC/Reuters