Egypt: Ex-presidential candidate Khaled Ali resigns from own party

Egyptian human rights lawyer, Khaled Ali announced his resignation from the Bread and Freedom Party which he co-founded in 2013.

Ali also resigned from his position as advisor at the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) following allegations of indecent conduct brought against him. A former colleague alleged that Ali sexually harassed her in 2015.

In his first response to the claims, Ali wrote on Facebook: “I remained silent because I believe that we live a new world and have new tools to express our positions and opinions, the only way was to deal with this event with all seriousness and guidance.”

Ali said he had asked the campaign in cooperation with the party to form an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations against him, adding that the investigation concluded that there was no wrongdoing on his part. However, at the end of the post, he announced his resignation from the party and ECERS and called to support both entities amid pressure from state security agencies.

Sisi: Army is carrying out secret operations to protect Egypt

A former presidential candidate, Ali withdrew his bid to run in next month’s elections after security forces arrested members of his team.

Candidates who publicised  their intention to run against coup leader and current Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi have come under increased pressure to withdraw their candidacy or have faced exclusion. The former Prime Minister in the Mubarak era, Ahmed Shafik, and Sami Anan, Chief of the Army Staff who was removed by President Mohamed Morsi in 2012, are notable among the latter.