Egyptian political dissident Ahmed Tantawy is under investigation in a new case opened by the Supreme State Security Prosecution, just a month before completing his one-year prison sentence, human rights lawyer Khaled Ali said.
Writing on Facebook, Ali revealed that the investigation marks a new legal challenge for Tantawy, who is currently serving time at the 10th of Ramadan Prison.
On Sunday Tantawy was questioned in two separate cases on charges of "inciting a terrorist act" and "inciting participation in an unlawful gathering aimed at disrupting public order", according to Khaled Ali.
Ali said the accusations relate to Tantawy’s calls for demonstrations on Oct. 20 and 27, 2023, in support of the Palestinian cause, which prosecutors claim he sought to exploit.
The former presidential candidate is serving a prison sentence after being convicted in 2024 of "forging documents related to the electoral process without authorization from the National Election Authority," in a case widely known as the "popular endorsements case."
Tantawy, a former parliamentarian, launched a campaign in October 2023 to collect unofficial endorsements from citizens, using forms that matched the official templates issued by the National Election Authority. His campaign said the move aimed to document support from those unable to issue official endorsements amid repeated complaints of harassment and obstruction.
On Feb. 6, 2024, the Matareya Misdemeanour Court sentenced Tantawy, his former campaign manager Mohamed Abu El-Diyar, and 21 other campaign members to a year in prison with hard labor. The Misdemeanour Court of Appeals upheld the verdict on May 27, rejecting their appeal to overturn or suspend the sentences.
The ruling also barred Tantawy from running in parliamentary elections for five years.
In December 2024, the Misdemeanour Cassation Court upheld the prison sentences against Tantawy and Abu El-Diyar, closing all paths for further appeals.
Tantawy is expected to be released on May 26, 2025; however, the new investigation raises concerns that he could be rotated under fresh charges.
