AhlulBayt News Agency

source : P.T
Saturday

13 November 2010

8:30:00 PM
213062

Egypt frees Muslim Brotherhood candidates

Egypt has released three Muslim Brotherhood candidates running for the November 28 parliamentary elections, says a judiciary official.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The three candidates, along with 16 Muslim Brotherhood members, were arrested in the port city of Ismailia on Wednesday and Thursday.

The candidates were released on bail to appear in court at a later date, the official was quoted by AFP as saying on Saturday.

A total of 44 Brotherhood members will be also freed on bail ahead of court hearings on November 20, 21, and 23, AFP reported.

The Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt's largest opposition movement, holds 88 seats in the 454-seat parliament. Its candidates run as independents.

It plans to contest for 134 out of the 508 seats up for grabs at the end of the month.

The religious-political organization was banned in 1954 -- 26 years after its foundation -- but has continued to play a key role in Egypt's political arena.

The government accuses the group of seeking to take over the country and has passed a series of constitutional amendments in an attempt to curtail the Brotherhood's ability to participate in politics.

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