A lawyer for the defense team representing an Egyptian blogger and activist charged with insulting the army voiced fears of an unfair trial for his client. "I hope the trial will be fair and that it won't be a means for revenge," said Nejad al-Buraie, who represents activist Mikel Nabil. "I am still optimistic, though my client is in a difficult situation." Nabil faces a military trial over charges of "disseminating false news" and "insulting the armed forces." It is the first opinion-related case involving criticism of the Egyptian army, which assumed power after former President Hosni Mubarak resigned on 11 February. Security forces arrested Nabil on 28 March after he published articles on his blog. The articles, relying on international press reports, accused some army members of being involved in torturing detainees during the revolution. Wednesday is scheduled for the third session of Nabil's trial, during which judges will hear his defense lawyers. Rights activists believe the Egyptian army might be seeking to prosecute Nabil to discourage criticism of the Supreme Council of Armed Forces' performance during the current transitional phase. Activists launched online campaigns through Twitter and Facebook demanding the immediate release of Nabil, arguing that he had been framed. They say that prosecuting civilians in front of military court violates international principles on fair, open trials. Al-Buraie said his primary goal in defending Nabil is to embolden freedom of expression in Egypt. Translated from the Arabic Edition
