Military denies interfering in activist’s release

The official spokesperson for the Armed Forces issued a statement on Wednesday denying media reports that military personnel interfered in the release of a political activist.

Zamalek Club President Mortada Mansour, who announced last week his intention to run for President, asked Chief of Staff Mahmoud Hegazy to respond to rumors that he had intervened regarding the release of Alaa Abd El Fattah, during a television interview Tuesday on privately owned CBC channel.

Abd El Fattah was released last month after being detained for four months on charges of protesting without a permit.

The military spokesperson said that the allegations are entirely false, adding that the Armed Forces do not interfere in the work of the courts. He suggested the rumors were started in an attempt to question the legitimacy of the judiciary and certain individuals.

Following his release, Abd El Fattah tweeted sarcastically in response to suggestions he has connections in the government, but media outlets, and Mansour — who referred to the tweets on Tuesday — seemed to miss the humor.

“I’m waiting on the lieutenant general to respond to rumors of his intervention to secure Alaa’s release. If he is indeed the reason Alaa was released, then there is no state of law and the future is bleak,” Mansour said during his television appearance.

Shortly after winning the Zamalek Club elections, Mansour announced his intention to run for President earlier this week. The candidate, notorious for his temper and use of profanities on air, has made several media appearances since then attacking the other candidates. He criticized Sisi for watching idly as the country falls apart and being too mysterious, and Hamdeen Sabbahi for “talking too much.”