The sentence against the former independent news publisher draws condemnation from human rights groups, who say the charges are politically motivated.
A fierce critic of the Egyptian government has been sentenced to six months in prison for an online spat with a former minister, drawing the ire of human rights groups.Hisham Kassem was convicted of slander, defamation and verbally assaulting a police officerThe Egyptian government has cracked down on critics over the last decade
Hisham Kassem, who is a leading official with Free Current, a coalition of mostly liberal parties, was convicted of slander, defamation and verbally assaulting a police officer.Saturday's verdict is subject to an appeal before a higher court. As a former news publisher, Mr Kassem helped keep alive pockets of independent and free press in the country.But he was arrested in August after persecutors questioned him on accusations levelled against him by former government minister Kamal Abu Eita.
Upon refusing to pay bail, Mr Kassem was taken to a police station, where he allegedly verbally assaulted police officers.Many rights groups criticised the arrest and trial of Mr Kassem, including
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