The Egyptian justice demands the arrest of Ahmed Shafik, the last Prime Minister under ousted president Hosni Mubarak and the unsuccessful candidate for the presidency in June 2012. He took refuge in the United Arab Emirates following the election defeat. He is suspected of corruption.
The former general, former Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Minister of Civil Aviation is believed to have sold to the sons of the former rais, Alaa and Gamal a land belonging to the State at prices below market value. Charges he vehemently denied during his presidential campaign.
Both Mubarak sons named in the case are currently in custody in Cairo.
Egyptian Justice announced late August that Shafik name was put on a list of persons to be arrested upon their entry into Egypt or prohibited from leaving the country because of suspicions of corruption.
For his part, the former general described the measure as "political", in a statement he released on 30 August. "This is a political decision that has no legal basis," said Shafiq, adding he would not hesitate to return to Egypt when it deems "necessary".
Egyptian justice did not mention a request for extradition or international arrest warrant, suggesting that this demand means he will be arrested if he returns to Egypt.
In his recent statement, Ahmed Shafiq has reiterated his intention to create a political party, the Egyptian National Movement as rival for the Muslim Brotherhood. "Justice and Freedom Party (political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood) is mistaken in thinking it can govern Egypt with a few small parties," he said.
Ahmed Shafik participated in the presidential election last June against the current president, Mohamed Morsi, winning 48.3% of the vote.
