Final Observations

The defining feature of this prosecution of Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim is that the three charges for which he was twice sentenced to 7 years imprisonment, in two trials by State Security Courts, are in fact unique in the history of Egyptian courts of law.

1- It was the first time that anyone or any institution was prosecuted on the charge of violating Military Decree No, 4 of 1992, although almost all Egyptian research centers are regularly funded by foreign donors. (Charge #2)

2- It was the first time that anyone who operates a research institute and publishes research was prosecuted on the charge of defaming Egypt by spreading lies and rumors abroad. (Charge # 3)

3- It was the first time that the State has intervened in a purely private civil contract, uninvited by either of its two principals, to investigate whether one party has defrauded the other; and then unilaterally decided to prosecute the one it deemed to be guilty despite protests to the contrary by his alleged victim.(Charge # 4)

Both the nature of these charges and the manner in which the case was prosecuted leave no doubt as to the pattern of selective persecution adopted by the State against Dr. Ibrahim. This affront to the rule of law was finally corrected by the landmark ruling of Egypt's Court of Cassation on March 18, 2003. Hereunder are the relevant sections of the ruling that struck down the previous sentences of the State Security Courts, and exonerated Prof. Saad Eddin Ibrahim of any wrong doing.