Procedures of Mahran's trial suspended till appeal is considered

The emergency Supreme State Security court ruled a hold on the trial of Mamdouh Mahran, the editor-in-chief of "AL Nabaa" and "Akher Khabar" newspapers, till the jurisdiction considers the appeal request presented by the defendant's lawyer.

The court set July 15 as a date for announcing the appeal court's decision and whether the misdemeanor court concerned should continue to hear the case, or refer it to another court.

Mahran faces charges of jeopardizing national unity and violating the social code of ethics by publishing obscene material involving an ex-communicated monk who used to serve at Assiut's AL-Muharraq monastery.

Mahran is also accused of inciting public opinion to scorn the Christian clergy, which led to the disruption of public order.

Meantime, the State Council Administrative court adjourned until next sunday hearing of a case filed by Mamdouh Mahran, editor-in-chief of "AL Nabaa" and its sister publication "Akher Khabar" asking for the suspension of a decision passed by the syndicate of journalists council to strip him of the membership of the syndicate.

The court asked the syndicate of journalists to submit a note "explaining the real cause" which made the syndicate take that decision against Mahran.

Mahran's defence council told the court that the syndicate struck off his client's name from the register of membership because he owned the shares of "AL Nabea" establishment and press owners may not be members of the syndicate.

The defence said that Mahran has given up his shares to others a long time ago and is no longer owner of any shares in the establishment.