Egypt court adjourns trial of 'US spies' to April
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A trial which has shaken Egypt's 30-year alliance with the US began yesterday when a court was told 16 American workers with non-governmental organsiations were CIA spies.
Forty-three foreign and Egyptian workers from NGOs – including the son of the US Transport Secretary – are accused of receiving illegal funds from abroad, carrying out political activities unrelated to their civil society work, and failing to obtain the necessary operating licences.
The case has underscored tension between the US and the generals who took power when President Hosni Mubarak was overthrown. Washington has said annual military aid to Egypt, worth $1.3bn, is under threat.
A prosecution lawyer, Khaled Suleiman, told the court: "These organisations are accused of espionage and going against the law. Most of them are in contact with the CIA. These organisations gathered information and reports on Egypt and sent them to the US State Department."
Judge Mahmud Mohamed Shukry said the trial would resume on 26 April and the defendants could stay out of jail until the next hearing.
None of the US defendants were present. Some are seeking refuge in their embassy in Cairo. One defendant interviewed by The Independent denied that funding was used for espionage. Nancy Okail said her group, Freedom House, had spent money only on rent, salaries and equipment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments