The North Cairo Criminal Court accepted today the appeal submitted by the public prosecutor against the release of Zakaria Azmi, the former chief of presidential staff. The court ruled that Azmi be remanded in custody another 30 days.

In his appeal, the public prosecutor said that the release of Azmi, one of the most influential figures in Mubarak's regime, will affect the course of investigations and the questioning of witnesses.

Mubarak's chief of staff for 22 years was arrested last April after being accused of using his position to amass a personal fortune.