A statement on state television by the Armed Forces accused Anan of a “serious breach of the laws of military service – Photo compiled by Egypt Today/Mohamed Zain
took former chief of staff, Sami Anan, into custody after violating a military code and committing forgery.
A statement on state television by the Armed Forces accused Anan of a “serious breach of the laws of military service.”
The speech also said Anan was “blatantly inciting against the Egyptian armed forces to try and "drive a wedge between the armed forces and the great Egyptian people.”
Anan is accused of violating Egypt’s military code, running for presidency without permission and forging documents.
HA Hellyer, senior nonresident fellow at the Royal United Services Institute thinktank told the Telegraph that despite being a former senior military figure, he is not a serious challenger in these elections for President Sisi.
For its part, the National Election Authority has excluded Anan's name from the presidential race, having ran illegally for the position.
The Military Prosecution later issued a statement banning media coverage of its investigation into Anan.
Serious breach to the military code:
The army’s statement came as follows:
In the Arab, African and Islamic world, and in the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by external forces and internal armed groups, the Egyptian Armed Forces have always been at the forefront, fighting to maintain the integrity of the Egyptian state and its institutions, according to a set of necessary and strict legal frameworks.
In light of the announcement of candidacy issued by the former major -general Sami Hafez Annan, the former chief of staff of the armed forces, the Armed forces could not turn a blind eye to the blatant violations of the armed forces laws and regulations, that were committed by Anan, and that are set forth as follows:
First, he declared his candidacy for the presidential elections without obtaining the approval of the armed forces, or taking the necessary measures to legally validate his candidacy process.
Secondly, the statement in which he announced his candidacy included explicit incitement against the Armed Forces, aiming to cause a discord between the Armed Forces and the Egyptian people.
Thirdly, Anan has committed the crime of forging official documents, showing that he is out of the military service, in order to be unlawfully included in the voters' database. Based on the above-mentioned and in adherence to the principle of the rule of law, all necessary and legal measures must be taken in this regard.
Press, media outlets expose Anan, relations with MB
Several news outlets and TV channels have accused Anan of forming an alliance with the Muslim Brotherhood.
As Anan announced running for presidency, talk shows, programs and guests severely accused Anan of conspiring against the Jan. 25 revolution and cooperating with the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood.
Anan and his campaign’s spokesperson were accused of hostility against Egypt’s army and underestimating the achievements of President Sisi.
Journalist and TV presenter Mohamed al-Gheity attacked Anan on his Saturday evening show and said Hisham Geneina, who was announced by Anan as an adviser, is known for his relations with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.
Gheity stressed that Hazem himself insulted Anan himself in 2013 back when he was a permanently invited by Muslim Brotherhood channels.
Another TV presenter, Youssef al-Husseiny, called upon Anan to clarify his relationship with the Islamic movement in Egypt.
“A special committee must study a request to resign from the Armed Forces first before any declaration of running in presidency election,” General Khairat Barakat, former manager of the Defense Ministry's Department of Officer Affairs, told TV presenter Amr Adeeb in an interview. “Doing otherwise is considered a violation to regulations of the army, for certain procedures must be taken first.”
Anan announces candidacy for presidency
Alleging that Egyptian state institutions need to “remain neutral”, Anan announced his intention to run for the upcoming 2018 presidential election in March via a video on his official Facebook page.
Anan’s announcement came after President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi confirmed running for a second term late on
In his video, Anan claimed Egypt’s security is deteriorating, vowing to change “incorrect policies”.
He also announced forming a “team of civilians” to help him with the election.
Anan’s team includes Hisham Geneina, a former top auditor who was dismissed as he was sentenced to jail on July 28, 2016 for spreading false news.
Hisham Geneina Geneina’s arrest came after Sisi made fighting corruption a priority for his government as he vowed to rebuild Egypt’s economy, which has been suffering due to a political turmoil since the 2011 uprising.
It is pertinent to mention that in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat on Feb. 17, 2014, Anan said “Sisi is good and is very committed to his work,” he also said the June 30 revolution was “an extension of January 25, part of the process of correcting the errors and negative consequences that resulted from the first revolution.”
On March 13, 2014, Anan announced he would not run for president as no one seemed to be willing to run for office.
About 2018 Presidential Election:
Voting in the upcoming 2018 presidential election will begin 26-28 March, with a run-off vote on 24-26 April.
In case no candidate wins more than 50 percent in the first round, all candidates will register from Jan. 20 to 29.
Candidates must register with the National Election Authority by Jan. 29.
Election regulations stipulate that would-be candidates must obtain the backing of at least 20 members of parliament for their candidacy or be supported by at least 25,000 eligible voters in at least 15 governorates.
Comments
Leave a Comment