Appeal for MB Deputy Chairman Al-Shater Postponed to February 8

The Administrative Court has decided to postpone the lawsuit filed by the Muslim Brotherhood against President Hosni Mubarak’s decree on prisoners who have been granted presidential pardons on the occasion of religious and national festivals, to February 8.
 
The judge admonished the government lawyer to quickly bring all documents requested, stressing this time will be the last time, adding “If the government refuses to commit to at the next court hearing, the lawsuit will be decided,” he said.

Abdel Moneim Abdel Maqsoud, the Brotherhood’s chief lawyer, explained that President Mubarak’s decree to exclude senior detained Brotherhood leaders from the presidential pardon is contrary to the Constitution and deprives them of their legitimate right.
 
In his petition before the court, Abdel-Maqsoud argued that this is contrary to article 40 of the Egyptian Constitution, which provides for equality between all Egyptians as all citizens are equal before the law.  They have equal public rights and duties without discrimination due to race, ethnic origin, language, religion or creed.
 
Abdel-Maqsoud has noted that the exclusion of Al-Shater and other MB members from the presidential pardon is an abuse of power, demanding their immediate release.