Israel Matzav

The 'new' Egypt

The 'new' Egypt has decided to release two of the terrorists who were convicted for participating in the murder of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1982 (Hat Tip: Shy Guy).

The two, Aboud and Tarek el-Zomor, have served their sentences. They were kept in jail after their sentences were over for security reasons.

They were convicted in 1984 of plotting Sadat's murder, and of belonging to Islamic Jihad, an outlawed group. Both were also convicted of resisting arrest.

They were not convicted of carrying out the murder. Five people convicted of the assassination itself were put to death.

Islamic Jihad had been angered by Sadat's treaty with Israel.

The Australian adds:

Egypt's military rulers yesterday ordered the release of two cousins jailed for their role in the assassination of president Anwar Sadat in 1981.

Abboud and Tarek el-Zomor served multiple sentences for their role in the shooting during a Cairo military parade. Despite the order, they have not yet been freed.

They were convicted in 1984 of plotting the assassination and of belonging to the outlawed Islamic Jihad group -- but not of actually killing Sadat. The five prime suspects, including the shooter, were captured and executed.

The two were sentenced to 20 years in prison, the maximum term under Egyptian law.

They have both seen out their terms but were not set free because of the Interior Ministry's discretionary power to hold a prisoner for up to five more years on security grounds.

About 60 other prisoners who have served their terms are to be freed under the same order.

What could go wrong?

Labels: Anwar Sadat, Egyptian regime change

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:31 PM