Egypt has sent a number of mixed signals about it's willingness to Democratize. First they arrest a key opposition to the current administration then they indicate they will hold (for the 1st time) elections with More than just one state-backed candidate. But today The Associated Press reports that Egypt appears to be righting a real wrong:
CAIRO, Egypt (AP) - Opposition leader and presidential hopeful Ayman Nour walked out of Cairo's central security headquarters Saturday and was whisked to the shoulders of his supporters after posting bail in a case that angered Washington and undermined Egypt's talk of democratic reform.Democracy is on the march in the Middle East.
Nour, in a white prison jump suit, stepped out looking frail, but blew kisses to the crowd of supporters. He flashed a V-for-victory sign from over their heads.
Judicial authorities announced earlier Saturday that bail had been set at $1,725.
"I am so happy. Ayman is of the people, for the people. He was never a stooge of the authorities," his wife, Gamila Ismail, said.
Nour was arrested on Jan. 29, accused of presenting fraudulent signatures in order to win the license for his party - but he was never formally charged and he and his supporters say the detention was political, aiming to eliminate him as a rival to the ruling party.
Washington had joined the calls for his release.
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