Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Egyptian blogger update

EGYPTIAN BLOGGER UPDATE:
Case for Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah transferred

Sarah Sheffer | 13 December 2011 | 0 Comments (bikyamasr.com)

CAIRO: Egyptian authorities transferred the case of Egyptian blogger Alaa Abdel-Fattah from a state security court to a panel of two investigative judges, as investigations into the controversial case continue.

The prosecution has accused Abdel-Fattah of having the “intent of committing crimes, assaulting security personnel and using force against them,” on the night of the October 9 Maspero Coptic Christian march, where 27 demonstrators were killed in clashes with the army. Abdel-Fattah denies the allegations.

The blogger has been detained for three 15-day periods, pending investigations into his case. The two judges will review the case again on Tuesday.

According to his lawyer, the transfer of the case could allow for the blogger to be tried in a civilian court with the right to appeal.

[...]
That would seem like a prudent move, given that the world is watching.

Background here.