BREAKING NEWS

Trial of Egyptian rights lawyer with presidential ambitions starts

By REUTERS

MAY 29, 2017 15:54

CAIRO - An Egyptian human rights lawyer and would-be presidential candidate went on trial on Monday in a case where a guilty verdict would deprive him of the right to stand for election.

A judge in a Cairo court adjourned the trial of Khaled Ali, who is charged with offending public decency, to July 3.

Ali, 45, was detained last week in what rights group Amnesty International said was part of a campaign of intimidation aimed at discouraging participation in the election, due to take place next summer.

He was released on bail 24 hours later.

The charge he faces relates to a photograph in which he appears to make an obscene hand gesture on the steps of a Cairo court house. Ali denies the authenticity of the photo.

He did not attend court on Monday.

If convicted, Ali could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 5,000-10,000 Egyptian pounds ($250-$550), or both. He would also be barred from running for the presidency.

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