Controversial preacher detained 15 days over violence charges

Wednesday 26 Nov 2014

Mahmoud Shaaban detained ahead of Islamist protests planned for Friday

Egypt's public prosecution ordered on Tuesday the detention for 15 days of a controversial ultra-conservative preacher over violence-related charges.

Mahmoud Shaaban was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly inciting violent and terrorist acts, threatening social peace and calling for nationwide Islamist protests on Friday, a judicial source said.

Early in 2013, Shaaban was arrested and later released on bail under deposed president Mohamed Morsi, after issuing a fatwa sanctioning the killing of opposition politicians.

Shaaban was a theology professor at Al-Azhar University, the highest seat of Sunni Islam, but was suspended earlier this month over allegations of "inciting violence" at the university -- a hub of Islamist protests against the authorities.

A video was published on social media websites last month of a speech by Shaaban in which he referred to ISIS as fellow Muslims who had "made mistakes and whom we are obliged to guide and mentor."


 

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