Rights Group Protests Egypt's Arrest of Activist For Insulting Religion

The Arabic Network for Human Rights Information issued a press release last Sunday protesting the arrest by Egyptian police of political activist and blogger known as Albir Saber Aiad. Last week, Aiad's mother called the police for help when a crowd gathered around Aiad's house, threatening to break in and burn it down, because of a rumor that Aiad had posted a movie on his Facebook page that ridiculed the Prophet Muhammad.  When police arrived, they inspected the house, confiscated Aiad's computer and some CDs. took Aiad to the police station and charged him with insulting religion, without indicating who had filed a report against him. He was jailed, and was assaulted due to provocations by police officers. On Sunday, authorities extended Aiad's imprisonment for 15 more days while an investigation is taking place.