Egypt Sets May 15 to Deliver Verdict on 8 Defendants Accused of Collaborating with ISIS

The High Court of Justice in Cairo. (Reuters)
The High Court of Justice in Cairo. (Reuters)
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Egypt Sets May 15 to Deliver Verdict on 8 Defendants Accused of Collaborating with ISIS

The High Court of Justice in Cairo. (Reuters)
The High Court of Justice in Cairo. (Reuters)

Egypt's Supreme Emergency State Security Court (SESSC) has set May 15 as the date for delivering its verdict in the case of eight suspects accused of collaborating with the terrorist ISIS group and plotting attacks against state institutions.

The Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) had ordered the defendants to be referred to the SESSC.

They are accused of committing crimes in Egypt and abroad between 2012-2018, including collaborating with ISIS and agreeing with other terrorists abroad to fund members of an extremist group associated with the group in Egypt.

Investigations revealed that the defendants agreed to collect data concerning vital facilities in the country, such as the Gargoub Port, Sidi Gaber Railway Station, and Ramsis Railway Station. In addition, they provided funds for terrorist operations targeting them.

According to investigators, the defendants used Telegram for money transfer and for sending information.

Furthermore, the defendants are accused of membership to a terrorist group that targets the nation's national security and public order as well as the safety and interests of the community.

They face charges of disturbing public order, endangering the safety and security of society, disrupting the law, and causing social unrest.

A number of defendants received military, security, and technical training in preparation for terrorist plots.

They all committed the crime of funding a terrorist organization with knowledge of its terrorist goals. Also, they received and transferred funds and data to the group for the purpose of committing terrorist acts.



Iraqi Judiciary Faces Challenge After Trump’s Win, Arrest Warrant Issued

Trump at an election rally (AFP)
Trump at an election rally (AFP)
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Iraqi Judiciary Faces Challenge After Trump’s Win, Arrest Warrant Issued

Trump at an election rally (AFP)
Trump at an election rally (AFP)

Iraqi President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani congratulated Donald Trump on his win in the US presidential election.

At the same time, Iraq’s parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee began discussing how to handle Trump, following an arrest warrant issued by the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council over his role in the deaths of Qasem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.

Committee member Mokhtar al-Moussawi said in a statement that, under Iraqi law, “Trump is considered a criminal,” but Iraq will engage with him normally due to national interests.

He stressed that Trump’s victory would not affect relations between Baghdad and Washington.

Al-Moussawi, a member of the Shiite Coordination Framework, explained to the press that the US operates as an institutional country and foreign policy doesn’t change much with different presidents.

He also noted that Trump did not recognize or respect the Iraqi government, pointing out that his previous visit to Iraq was limited to meeting US troops at the Al-Asad airbase. Still, Iraq will deal with Trump normally.

The parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee member concluded by saying, “If Trump visits Iraq, it will be hard to enforce the arrest warrant. Iraq’s national interests take priority, preventing the warrant from being carried out against him.”

Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council Chief, Faik Zidan, announced an arrest warrant for Trump over his role in the killings of Soleimani and al-Muhandis on January 7, 2021.

An official statement confirmed the warrant was based on Article 406 of Iraq’s Penal Code and that investigations would continue to identify other individuals involved, both Iraqi and foreign.

Iraqi legal expert Ali al-Tamimi explained to Asharq Al-Awsat that the judiciary acted based on a complaint from the plaintiff, meaning it is legally required to take action against anyone, whether inside or outside Iraq.

He stated that since the crime occurred in Iraq and targeted Iraqi figures, the case falls under Iraqi jurisdiction.

Al-Tamimi confirmed that the arrest warrant for Trump was issued under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which covers premeditated murder. As Trump is considered a partner in the operation, he said the legal procedure was correct.

In response to a question about enforcing the arrest warrant, al-Tamimi said it could be done through Interpol by submitting a request via Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, though this would be difficult in practice.

Another option would be for Iraq to join the 1948 Rome Statute, which allows prosecution for crimes like the assassination ordered by Trump. However, Iraq would need to first join the agreement.

Al-Tamimi also noted that, as a head of state, Trump has immunity under the Vienna Convention.