El-Adly’s trial, Moussa’s move to run for president welcomed

Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa talks with Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi at a Arab League Summit. (AP)

By GALAL FAKKAR | ARAB NEWS

JEDDAH: Egyptian expatriates in the Kingdom have expressed satisfaction over the announcement by Arab League chief Amr Moussa that he would run for president in the next elections and the military council’s decision to try major figures of the previous government including former Interior Minister Habib El-Adly. Once widely feared El-Adly is to appear before a criminal court on March 5 accused of money laundering.

The expats urged the interim government to look into all excesses, especially human rights violations committed by the government of Hosni Mubarak and punish culprits one by one.

Moussa's comments Sunday came a day after a constitutional reform panel appointed by the military rulers recommended far-reaching reforms that relaxed eligibility rules for who qualifies to run for president.

Islam Abu Al-Majd, an Egyptian who works as a salesman, said the trials launched by the military council would play a big role in ending political and financial corruption in the country. He said Moussa would be an excellent choice to be Egypt’s president after this crisis.

Ezz Al-Arab Mahmoud, who works in the real estate business, said he was extremely happy with the trial of El-Adly, who he said had ordered the arrest of many innocent people.

Mahmoud was detained during his college days for taking part in a protest march. “At that time, one police officer told me they would take action following instructions from superiors without caring whether the person is innocent,” he said.

Mahmoud said he had even thought of changing his nationality because of the country’s corrupt politicians and bureaucrats.

Rabie Al-Minshawi, a maintenance worker, said the trial against Mubarak’s men opens a new era in Egypt. Shakir Abdul Aziz, a journalist, said the trial should cover not only embezzlement and financial corruption but also the excesses of his police machinery.

Moussa enjoys wide popularity in Egypt, largely because of his scathing criticism of Israel.

El-Adly would be the first from the previous regime to face trial. He was arrested on Feb. 17, along with Tourism Minister Zoheir Garranah and steel tycoon Ahmed Ezz, a senior member of Mubarak's National Democratic Party.

Comments

MAHMOOD AHMAD

Report abuse
GOOD NEWS TO ALL EGYPTIAN BROTHERS PARTICULARLY. A GOODMAN WILL CONTEST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN EGYPT.
AMR MOOSA YOU MOST WELCOME.

BEST REAGRDS

SR. MARIAMA MICHELLE BURTON

Report abuse
Salaam,

I am supportive of Mr. Moussa's candidacy for the Presidency of Egypt because I respect how closely he has worked with the African Union on various issues.

KAAMIL

Report abuse
What is it with Qaddafi and those costumes? They make him look like an organ-grinders monkey instead of a head of state. He has the telltale puffy, sagging, used-up looking face of someone who has abused the pleasures of life.

MOHAMMED

Report abuse
do not allow above 50 years for president post. strengthen law, which can not be flexible to any leader. young blood needed to think creativity & competitive. prepare transparent law which should not allow anyone to misuse. every leaders action must be published in govt. public discussion forum.
Look the history all the new (good) leader became corrupted once came into power. hence can not expect anyone will be good (in the current world) till die. position will change his real face and ambition by outside pressure.

SK

Report abuse
BUT...what about Hosni Mubarak? He will be tried in the court or not? All this is eye-washing if the "leader" is not tried. This shows "something' written in between the lines.

H.A. AZIZ

Report abuse
Kuwait will be very much disappointed if Moussa became President of Egypt

I hope Dr. Muhammed Elbaradie will be the next President of Egypt.

It will be the right person in the right place.

DR MERSAL

Report abuse
Amr Moussa is just another opportunist with visions of granduer trying to fatten up his own resume...and overseas bank accounts...all at the expense of the Egyptian people.
Post your comment

required

required (email will never be displayed)

Please enter the following characters in the box provided (case sensitive). This helps us prevent automated programs from creating accounts and sending spam.

All comments are subject to approval

Terms and conditions

Latest comments