Blogger faces 10 years in clink

Former al-Hazhar student Karim Amer is charged with spreading information damaging to Egypt's reputation, defaming the president of the republic, and incitement to hate Islam.

Amnesty man Malcolm Smart said that Amer's trial is intended to deter other bloggers. This, he said, "is particularly worrying as bloggers have increasingly been posting information about human rights abuses in Egypt, including torture and police violence against peaceful protesters."

Amnesty said it considers Amer to be a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release. µ