The prosecution ordered the detention of 29 defendants for 15 days pending investigations, on accusations of collaborating with Turkey, “with the aim of endangering the interests of the nation,” according to the state-owned news agency MENA.
Other defendants inside and outside the country are accused in the case. They are charged with joining a terrorist group, illegally facilitating international calls, money laundering, and illegal currency exchange.
The High State Security Prosecution presented evidence, from investigations by the General Intelligence department, that members of Turkish intelligence apparatuses communicated with members of the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood group, planning to help the group oust the ruling regime.
MENA added that the defendants used the international calls to pass material that describes the situation in the country to “fabricate false news and rumours to incite against the state.”
Diplomatic relations between Egypt and Turkey have strained following the 30 June uprising, as Turkey said that what had happened was a military ouster and opposed the current regime. In August, Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abou Zaid said that Egypt is ready to reconnect with Turkey if the latter acknowledged the 30 June uprising that led to the current government in Egypt. He also said that Turkey should refrain from intervening in Egypt’s internal affairs.
