Egyptian opposition leader charged with forgery
22/03/2005 - 14:36:49Egyptian opposition leader Ayman Nour was charged with forging signatures to secure approval for his political party today – a case that has drawn international criticism and created friction between Egypt and Washington.
Nour, 40, was ordered to stand trial along with six defendants from his Al-Ghad, or Tomorrow Party.
After 42 days in prison without charges, Nour – who has declared his intent to run for president in Egypt’s first multi-candidate presidential elections in the autumn – was released on bail last week.
His lawyer, Amir Salem, said a trial will not stop Nour’s bid for the presidency.
“This was expected,” said Salem. “They will not arrest him. He will be able to carry on with nominating himself as long as the verdict is not issued.”
