Egypt's first female Islamist to run in a general election said security authorities arrested two of her aides on Sunday, reported Reuters.
“The manager of my election campaign, Hosni Gebri, and public relations manager Abbas Haikal were arrested early on Sunday,” said Jihan al-Halafawi, who belongs to the banned Muslim Brotherhood, according to the agency.
“I wished Egyptian security authorities would abide by neutrality,” she said in a statement.
Security officials were not available for comment when contacted by the agency.
Islamists say the arrests are intended to prevent them from influencing the election campaign, Reuters said.
President Hosni Mubarak invited voters on Sunday to take part in the poll, due to be held in three stages in October and November, reports said.
Mubarak said in April the state would work to ensure a free and fair vote, said the agency.
Three months ago, Egypt’s higher court ruled that elections should be under the direct supervision of the judiciary. 6000 judges will take part in the process that will take place through three phases.
There are about 200 members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood detained in Egyptian prisons. The opposition uses the fact to raise questions about the government’s neutrality, according to a BBC radio report Monday – (Several Sources)
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