Egyptian opposition figure Ahmed Tantawi released from prison

Former presidential hopeful Ahmed Tantawi has been released after serving a one-year sentence for distributing unauthorised election materials during his 2023 campaign, The National reported on May 29th.

Tantawi, a former MP and outspoken critic of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, withdrew from the race after failing to secure the 25,000 endorsements required to run.

Rights groups say the charges were politically motivated to block genuine opposition. El Sisi went on to win a third term with nearly 90% of the vote. Tantawi now faces additional charges related to alleged incitement of protests over the Gaza war, which he denies.

The National/ Maghrebi.org