The withdrawal on Tuesday of the three judges that were assigned to the trial of 43 pro-democracy workers, including 16 Americans, was the result of military pressure, said a source close to one of the judges, according to Al-Arabiya News Channel.
The defendants were accused of using illegal foreign funds to foment the unrest plauging Egypt since a popular uprising unseated former President Hosni Mubarak. The involved NGOs and the United States deny the charges. US authorities have insinuated that the case is putting aid to Egypt in danger.
“They received a phone call from a higher authority which demanded an end to the case due to its sensitive nature,” said Al-Arabiya, quoting the anonymous source on Wednesday. “The court considered this as interference in the judiciary’s work.
Lead Judge Mohamed Shoukry said Tuesday that “the court felt uneasy” handling the case, a court official told AP. He did not elaborate.
According to the Egyptian judicial system, the Court of Appeals is responsible for assigning new judges to the case.
Sunday the court conducted its opening session, before being adjourned until 26 April.
