Egyptian officials have reportedly requested that INTERPOL issue a Red Notice in the name of Mahmoud Ezzat, a leader of the Muslim Brotherhood.  Mr. Ezzat was, until recently, a professor at Zagazig University Faculty of Medicine.

The Red Notice request is based upon the underlying charges of inciting murder and violence.  Prosecuting Attorney General Hisham Barakat requested the Red Notice through Egypt’s National Central Bureau, NCB Cairo.  (Red Notice Law Journal has requested verification of INTERPOL’s receipt of this request, as well as its decision on the request.  INTERPOL’s response will be posted here upon its receipt.)

Whether INTERPOL becomes involved in Mr. Ezzat’s case will depend on whether INTERPOL views the case as being primarily politically motivated or not.  Given the current struggle for political power between the Muslim Brotherhood and its opponents, there is a distinct possibility that this case will be treated as political in nature.

The charges are alleged to have arisen during protests and sit-ins related to the political battle in Egypt.  Mr. Ezzat was named as the temporary leader of the Muslim Brotherhood after his predecessor was arrested in August.  

Two major blows to the official political status of the Brotherhood in Egypt occurred recently.  On September 23, the organization was banned from operating and its assets were seized by the government.  And just hours ago, Egypt removed the Muslim Brotherhood from its list of sanctioned non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as reported here.

As more information becomes available reqarding INTERPOL’s treatment of this case, Red Notice Law Journal will continue to provide updates.

As always, thoughts and comments are welcomed.