Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Egypt Independent
Published on 2024-02-07 08:58:45
Former MP and presidential hopeful Ahmed al-Tantawi has been sentenced to one year in prison with a suspended sentence and banned from running in parliamentary elections for five years by the Matareya Misdemeanor Court.
According to the RT website, Tantawi’s lawyer, Nabih al-Janady, stated that his client and others were convicted of circulating papers related to the elections without the permission of the authorities and calling on citizens to sign popular proxies. Additionally, the court fined Tantawi LE20,000, prohibited him from running for any presidential position, and sentenced the other defendants to one year in prison.
Bilal Habib, a member of Tantawi’s defense team, stated that they plan to appeal the ruling after a review of the first-instance ruling.
Earlier, investigating authorities had decided to refer Tantawi, his campaign manager for the presidential elections, and 21 of its members to criminal trial for violating the law by circulating papers related to the elections without permission and calling on citizens to sign popular proxies to support Tantawi.
Tantawi had intended to run for the previous presidential elections, but his papers were not accepted because he did not obtain the necessary endorsements.
The court’s ruling has effectively put an end to Tantawi’s aspirations for political office for the foreseeable future. The decision to ban him from running in parliamentary elections for five years is a significant blow to his political career and ambitions.
The sentencing and ban on running for political office demonstrates the consequences of violating election laws and regulations in Egypt. It serves as a reminder to all political figures and candidates to adhere to the legal requirements and obtain the necessary permissions before engaging in election-related activities.
The legal actions taken against Tantawi and his associates highlight the Egyptian government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes. The authorities are cracking down on any attempts to circumvent the law and manipulate the electoral system for personal gain.
Tantawi’s decision to appeal the ruling indicates that the legal battle is far from over. His defense team will likely argue that the court’s decision was unjust and seek to overturn the verdict through the appeals process.
The outcome of the appeal will be crucial for Tantawi’s future in Egyptian politics. If the ruling is upheld, Tantawi will face significant obstacles in attempting to resume his political career after serving his prison sentence and the ban on running for office.
In conclusion, the court’s decision to sentence Ahmed al-Tantawi to one year in prison with a suspended sentence and ban him from running in parliamentary elections for five years is a significant development in Egyptian politics. It sends a clear message about the consequences of violating election laws and regulations, and it underscores the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law in electoral processes. Tantawi’s decision to appeal the ruling sets the stage for a continued legal battle that will ultimately determine his future in Egyptian politics.
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