Fugitive Nour’s luxury flat up for sale under ATQ’s pressure

CAIRO – 29 August 2017: As the Gulf crisis escalates every day, Qatar’s close political figures face more risks threatening their future while the Anti-Terror Quartet (ATQ), including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain are now stepping up pressure.

Under the continuing pressure imposed by the ATQ, the former chairman of Al-Ghad Party, Ayman Nour, posted his luxury apartment in Cairo for sale for $3 million in a bid to compensate the sever decline in Qatar’s financial support to allied political figures.

Turkey-based fugitive Nour was sentenced in absentia to five years in jail for spreading false news, receiving foreign funds and inciting against the state.

Qatar’s relations with several Arab states have been strained since May 24 over a leaked statement attributed to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, criticizing Gulf foreign policy with Iran, describing it as “unwise”.

On 5 June, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E and Bahrain cut diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed economic sanctions, accusing it of funding terrorism, a claim Qatar rejects. They also closed their airspace and seaports for Qatari transportation.

The Arab quartet issued 13 demands to Doha – then shortened to six principles - including closing Al Jazeera television, curbing relations with Iran and shutting a Turkish military base.