Egyptian Appeals Court Upholds One-Year Prison Sentence for Former Presidential Candidate

CAIRO, Egypt — An Egyptian appeals court on Monday upheld a one-year prison sentence against prominent political activist Ahmed Altantawy, who had attempted to challenge President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in last year's election. Defense lawyer Khaled Ali confirmed that Altantawy was detained by security forces at the Cairo court following the ruling.

Altantawy, a former presidential hopeful, was convicted and sentenced in February along with 22 of his aides, including his campaign manager, for distributing unauthorized endorsement forms for his candidacy.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court banned Altantawy from participating in national elections for the next five years. He had been released on bail pending the appeal.

On Monday, the court upheld the sentences for all the defendants involved in the case. Altantawy, who was seen as the opposition's most viable candidate, had withdrawn from the presidential race last year after failing to collect the necessary voter signatures for nomination. He accused state security services of harassing his staff and supporters, preventing him from reaching the required candidacy threshold.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi was re-elected by an overwhelming majority for a third term, continuing his rule amidst accusations of stifling political opposition and curtailing democratic processes. The court's decision to uphold the sentences further highlights the challenges faced by opposition figures in Egypt's political landscape.