Friends of political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah celebrated his birthday (November 18) on Saturday, during a trial where he, former president Mohamed Morsi and 23 others are charged with insulting the judiciary.
“Happy birthday Alaa,” read banners hoisted by his friends. The activist waved and smiled from inside his glass dock.
Alaa had previously been sentenced to five years in prison and fined LE100,000 over charges of rioting, illegal protests and assaulting security outside Egypt’s Shura Council. He had been participating in a protest that condemned Article 198 of the Constitution, which allows for civilians to be put on military trial.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
