Egyptian opposition leader freed on bail
Egyptian opposition leader and presidential hopeful Ayman Nour stepped out of Cairo’s central security headquarters today and was whisked to the shoulders of his supporters, free on bail in a case that angered Washington and undermined Egypt’s talk of democratic reform.
Nour, in a white prison jumpsuit, stepped out looking frail, but blew kisses to the crowd of orange-shirted supporters awaiting his release. He flashed a V-for-victory sign.
His wife, Gamila Ismail, said: “I am so happy. Ayman is of the people, for the people. He was never a stooge of the authorities.” She watched the scene with tears welling in her eyes but could not get to her husband because of the hundreds of supporters who surrounded him.
Supporters threw sweets in the air to celebrate Nour’s release. The main street in front of downtown Cairo’s central security headquarters came to a standstill as hundreds of supporters carrying Nour paraded down the street.
