Egypt orders detention of Aboul Fotouh for 15 days pending probe

The Supreme State Security Prosecution in Egypt yesterday ordered former presidential candidate and leader of the Strong Egypt Party, Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh, to be held for 15 days pending an investigation in a new case.

Human rights lawyer Khaled Ali said on Sunday that the State Security Prosecution was investigating Aboul Fotouh in a new case on charges of leading “a terrorist group”, in reference to the Muslim Brotherhood, despite his resignation from the group.

He added that Aboul Fotouh was scheduled to be released before 18 February after spending two years in pretrial detention; the maximum period for such cases; explaining that Aboul Fotouh has refused to take part in the investigation or to answer any questions, and refused to sign the prosecution’s report.

Aboul-Fotouh, who has been imprisoned since early 2018 on charges of joining an outlawed group and spreading false news, has suffered two heart attacks while in detention.

READ: Egypt reverses decision to put ex-presidential candidate on terrorist list