November 19th, 2009 by Jason

Earlier this week, we cited Arabic sources that reported a key leader of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Dr. Abdel Moneim Abul Fotouh, was released from prison after five months of incarceration.

Today, The Daily News Egypt has published an article in English about Abul Fotouh’s release. According to the article, the Egyptian regime has cracked down on moderate Muslim Brotherhood leaders such as Abul Fotouh, as well as Mohamed Khayrat El-Shater and Essam El-Erian. The article reports that “there has been speculation as to why they were targeted by the regime as opposed to hardliners.” The article also cites the General Secretary of the Brotherhood, Mahmoud Ezzat, who warned that Abul Fotouh’s release does not suggest the regime has eased up on the Brotherhood.

Bikya Masr also discusses Abul Fotouh’s release, citing a previous interview in which he asserted “freedom, democracy and justice” should be essential principles in Egyptian politics. In addition, a leader of the Kefaya Movement, George Ishaq, has previously criticized the regime for Abul Fotouh’s treatment, asserting the “regime wants to take down anyone who opposes it.”

Posted in Egypt, Freedom, Human Rights, Islamist movements, Judiciary, Muslim Brotherhood |