CAIRO: The State Council ruled on June 26 that the trial of opposition leader Ayman Nour be adjourned to July 3 pending forensic reports on his medical condition from the Forensic Medicine Authority. The decision was met with frustration by Nour's family members and supporters, who voiced their disagreement vocally inside the courtroom and through banners stressing the innocence of Nour and demanding his immediate release. Nour, former member of the People's Assembly and chairman of Al Ghad party, was charged with forging signatures on powers of attorney required to establish his political party Al Ghad on October 2004. He was arrested on January 29, 2005. Nour's detainment was harshly criticized by foreign governments, especially that of the United States, who considered it a step back for democracy in Egypt. Following pressure from the US, Nour's trial was delayed in March 2005, allowing him to participate in the presidential elections where he was the runner-up to the incumbent President Hosni Mubarak. The trial continued in December 2005 and Nour was sentenced to five years in prison. Nour, an insulin-dependant diabetic, went on hunger strike a week before his verdict and was sent to hospital. His lawyer, Amir Hamdi Salem, said during the court session that they have consulted 14 professors of medicine who have all agreed that Nour's medical condition is critical and that they will not be able to save his life as long as he remains in prison. Salem added that the prison hospital is not equipped with adequate medical supplies to support his condition, and that the hospital closes down at night, opening only in extreme cases of emergency. "This only happens when at least seven people, or more in the case of a political prisoner, sign an official permit, said Salem. "We are not concerned with Egyptian news reports or with what politicians have to say. Our case is to protect the independence of the judiciary without any outside interference, continued Salem.
