Former DePauw Professor Saad Eddin Ibrahim Granted New Trial, Freed from Egyptian Jail

February 8, 2002

February 8, 2002, Greencastle, Ind. - Saad Eddin Ibrahim, a former DePauw University professor who is jailed in Egypt for defaming the state, will be getting a new trial. Egypt's top appeals court ordered a retrial for Ibrahim, an Egyptian-American rights activist who, in the words of the Associated Press, "contends his only crime was criticizing the government." The professor, who in May began serving a sentence of seven years in prison, is free pending the retrial. No date has been set. (AP photos of his release and reunion with his family can be seen here and here)

"I thank God for my release," the 63-year-old Ibrahim said as he left the prison. "My trust in the Egyptian judiciary has been restored." Dr. Ibrahim taught at DePauw from 1967 to 1974. He is married to Barbara (Lethem) Ibrahim, a 1971 graduate of DePauw University. He told reporters waiting outside the prison that he looked forward to spending time with his family. "I want to take my wife, children and grandchildren under my arms all night," he said.

A sociology professor at the American University of Cairo, Dr. Ibrahim was arrested, tried and convicted of "tarnishing Egypt's image, embezzlement and accepting foreign money without government approval. The trial was condemned as politically motivated by international human rights groups, including Amnesty International," an article in yesterday's Los Angeles Times stated.

It continued, "A prominent campaigner for greater democracy in Egypt, as well as women's and minority rights, Ibrahim has said he believes the prosecution stemmed from his setting up a committee to monitor Egypt's 2000 parliamentary elections. Diplomats from the U.S., Canadian, Danish, Italian, Spanish, German, Australian, British and Dutch embassies attended Wednesday's Appeal Court session, reflecting international concern in the case."

In an e-mail to friends and supporters, Nancy Lethem, the sister of Ibrahim's wife, writes, "Our hope for a fair final resolution is renewed... We are exuberant! Thank you all for your continued support and activism for Saad and our family." DePauw faculty and alumni staged a "teach-in" for Dr. Ibrahim at Old Gold Weekend, June 2, 2001. You can read about it here.

You can read the Times article in its entirety online by clicking here.

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