Prominent political activist Ahmed Doma was referred to Abdeen Misdemeanor Court, along with the 6 April Youth movement founder Ahmed Maher and the movement’s leading figure Mohamed Adel. The first session is scheduled to take place on Sunday.
The referral decision was taken by the Central Cairo Prosecution. The activists are charged with using violence against Abdeen Courthouse security personnel, calling for an unapproved protest, illegal assembly and rioting, reported state-owned Al-Ahram.
The incidents date back to Saturday when protesters gathered in front of Abdeen Courthouse chanting against the Protest Law and calling for the release of the Shura Council detainees. The protest, titled “Turn yourself in”, was organised by the Revolutionary Front.
Clashes broke out after a fight was triggered when Maher was assaulted near the main gate of the courthouse upon his arrival.
Maher arrived with the intent of turnig himself in for charges regarding his alleged participation in organising the Shura Council protest on 26 November, which he had denied and was subsequently released. However, the prosecution decided on Monday to detain him for four days pending investigations regarding the Abdeen clashes.
Doma was arrested Tuesday morning at his house at Dar AlSalam and was taken to Al-Basateen Police Station, then to Zeinhom Court, where he was being investigated. The General Prosecutor ordered Doma’s detention for four days on Tuesday. Adel is yet to be arrested.
The crackdowns on activists continue as fellow prominent activist Alaa Abdel Fatah was handed a 15-day-detention issued on Sunday with charges including rallying, “thuggery,” inciting violence, resisting authorities and violating the Protest Law.
However, the Prosecutor General’s appeal against the release of 23 of the Shura Council detainees was overruled on Wednesday. The detainees were released on EGP 5000 bail, except for Ahmed Abdel Rahman, who will complete his 15 day detention which began on 1 December.
