Egypt’s Criminal Court Refuses To Freeze Ex-PM Shafiq’s Assets

Egypt’s Cairo Criminal Court refused Saturday to freeze the assets of former President Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq and his three daughters, revoking the decision of the Illicit Gains Authority, official MENA news agency reported.

The initial decision of the Illicit Gains Authority to freeze Shafiq’s funds must be approved by the criminal court to take effect.

Shafiq, who joined in the presidential election and was defeated by Mohamed Morsi in the run-off held in June, together with 10 top aviation officials, were referred to the criminal court over charges of financial corruption on Sept. 30.

He signed in the Mubarak era a cooperation protocol to establish New Egypt Services Association in a park of Mubarak’s wife. Based on this protocol, the other defendants were granted the authority to exploit the Egypt Air Holding Co. funds, estimated at nearly 7.16 million Egyptian pounds (about 1.17 million U.S. dollars), for recreational games in the park.

On Sept. 11, Shafiq and Mubarak’s two sons were referred to the criminal court over charges of committing administrative and financial violations in a purchase of pilots’ association land.

He repeatedly denied the corruption accusations, arguing they were politically motivated by his rivals.

Xinhuanet