The trial of nongovernmental organizations accused of operating illegally in Egypt is slated to resume Tuesday as the case fuels a diplomatic rift between the United States and Egypt.

A total of 43 workers from various countries are on trial - though many in absentia - after authorities targeted 10 NGOs in a series of December raids.

The employees were charged with operating in Egypt without being officially registered and receiving foreign funding.

American Robert Becker chose to stay in Cairo and face state prosecutors. If found guilty, Becker could face up to six years in an Egyptian prison.