An Egyptian appeals court has endorsed a verdict relieving Prime Minister Hisham Qandil of his duties and sentencing him to one year in prison for not executing a court ruling.

“The appeals court’s endorsement of the verdict against Qandil comes amid unconfirmed reports that President Mohamed Morsi, who appointed the premier, will be overthrown within a few hours,” says a breaking news on Ahram Online.

“Qandil,” according to the report, “was convicted for failing to execute a verdict ordering the reinstatement of employees at Tanta Flax and Oil Company and for annulling the company’s sale to a Saudi businessman.”

Meanwhile, tension remains high as throngs of protesters seeking to force Morsi out of office camp anxiously at the famous Tahrir Square in the country’s capital, Cairo. The Army has moved tanks into the streets following the expiration of the deadline given to Morsi to quit in keeping with the wishes of Egyptians. A coup is believed t o be imminent except Morsi changes his mind and agrees to abdicate.

The 61 years old Morsi assumed office on June 2012 last year on the back of the Muslim Brotherhood following elections held in the wake of the ouster of veteran president Hosni Mubarak. He however soon lost the people’s favour due to his autocratic rule and failure to quickly deliver the expected dividends of democracy.

•Photo, courtesy Mai Shaheen: Laser lights are seen as anti-Morsi protesters gather in Tahrir Square.