This morning the State Security Forces arrested the popular Islamic activist, Hassan Sultan, known as Hasan Karate by the residents of the Imbaba district. Hasan Karate was preparing for a forum on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, scheduled to take place on the night of the 25th of October. Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim, the Chairman of Ibn Khaldun Center, and the engineer Mohamad Farid Hasanin, former member of the Egyptian parliament, were among the guests of honor.
Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim was expected to clarify the validity of several newspapers' allegations concerning his plans for the presidency. Mohamad Hasanin was planning to elucidate the reasons for his resignation, an action that has not occurred since 1866. His resignation protesting the parliament's inefficiency in carrying out its legislative and supervisory responsibilities was unprecedented by any member of parliament.
Ibn Khaldun Center promptly responded to the arrest by contacting national, Arab and international organizations to demand the release of Hasan Sultan. In addition, the Center has appealed to all concerned authorities for an immediate release of the detainee since he has not breached the law in organizing the above mentioned forum.

Chairman of the ICDS Board of Trustees,
Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim