Egyptian presidential candidate lashes out at Islamist MP

Ahmed Shafiq denies allegations of graft by Essam Soltan

Former Egyptian prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (photo credit: AP/Victoria Hazou, File)
Former Egyptian prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (photo credit: AP/Victoria Hazou, File)

CAIRO (AP) — An Egyptian presidential candidate has opened fire at an Islamist lawmaker who accused him of graft — further raising the tempo in an already unprecedentedly heated presidential campaign.

Ahmed Shafiq lashed out angrily Monday at accusations by lawmaker Essam Soltan that are currently being investigated by the public prosecutor.

Speaking to reporters, Shafiq accused Soltan of being an agent for Egypt’s security forces prior to last year’s overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. Both men dismiss the other’s allegations.

The frontrunners in the election due to begin May 23 include both former regime officials and Islamists— once one of the main target of Mubarak security crackdowns.

Shafiq was Mubarak’s last prime minister and is among the top four contenders.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.