Cairo
Egyptian-American sociologist Saad Eddin Ibrahim was let out of prison this week after an appeals court overturned his conviction for “harming Egypt’s image.” Ibrahim, a professor at the American University in Cairo, had been sentenced in July to seven years in prison for his writings promoting democracy and human rights. The case enraged human rights activists around the world, as well as the U.S. government. Political pressure may have played a role in Ibrahim’s release: President Bush said he would cap aid to Egypt—currently at $2 billion a year—until the scholar was freed. At a new trial scheduled for January, the appeals court ruled, the judge must allow exculpatory evidence that was not admitted in earlier trials. Ibrahim is expected to be acquitted.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
June 28 editorial cartoonsCartoons Saturday's political cartoons include stupid wars, a critical media, and mask standards
-
Thai fish pie with crispy turmeric potatoes recipeThe Week Recommends Tasty twist on the Lancashire hot pot is given a golden glow
-
Palestine Action: protesters or terrorists?Talking Point Damaging RAF equipment at Brize Norton blurs line between activism and sabotage, but proscription is a drastic step
