The trial of a man charged with trying to bomb a historical synagogue in the heart of downtown Cairo has been delayed until mid-October, Egyptian officials said Saturday.
According to prosecutors, Jamal Hussein Ahmad, a 49-year-old tailor, threw an ‘improvised explosive device’ in February at Egypt’s largest synagogue. It is the only one still conducting services for Jewish holidays.
No one was hurt and no property was damaged in that attack.
The Cairo Criminal Court said it would delay Ahmad’s trial until October 16, citing the defendant’s mental health. He has been admitted to a mental institution and was being examined by three doctors who will report their findings to the court.
Prosecutors have asked for the maximum sentence, charging Ahmad with possession of unlicensed explosives with the intention of carrying out a ‘terrorist-like act.’
At the time of the attack, police told the German Press Agency DPA. Ahmad had allegedly asked to see a room at a hotel opposite the synagogue. He then allegedly threw a bag out the window of the hotel lobby and fled though an alley next to the hotel.
Egypt’s Ministry of Interior has said that the suspect has a record of extremism and drug abuse, and that he told authorities he was angered by Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories.
The defendant has denied allegations that he took part in the attack and claims he knew nothing about it prior to his arrest.
The trial of a man charged with trying to bomb a historical synagogue in the heart of downtown Cairo has been delayed until mid-October, Egyptian officials said Saturday.
According to prosecutors, Jamal Hussein Ahmad, a 49-year-old tailor, threw an ‘improvised explosive device’ in February at Egypt’s largest synagogue. It is the only one still conducting services for Jewish holidays.
No one was hurt and no property was damaged in that attack.
The Cairo Criminal Court said it would delay Ahmad’s trial until October 16, citing the defendant’s mental health. He has been admitted to a mental institution and was being examined by three doctors who will report their findings to the court.
Prosecutors have asked for the maximum sentence, charging Ahmad with possession of unlicensed explosives with the intention of carrying out a ‘terrorist-like act.’
At the time of the attack, police told the German Press Agency DPA. Ahmad had allegedly asked to see a room at a hotel opposite the synagogue. He then allegedly threw a bag out the window of the hotel lobby and fled though an alley next to the hotel.
Egypt’s Ministry of Interior has said that the suspect has a record of extremism and drug abuse, and that he told authorities he was angered by Israeli policies in the Palestinian territories.
The defendant has denied allegations that he took part in the attack and claims he knew nothing about it prior to his arrest.
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