Journalist Khaled Hanafy, managing editor of the independent Al-Fagr newspaper, has been released after being summoned for questioning on charges of libeling and defaming Mohamed Badie, the Muslim Brotherhood supreme guide.

Hanafy denied the charges, stating that everything he had published in his newspaper was documented information that had been reported in foreign newspapers.

The editor presented documents allegedly including communications between Badie, his deputy Khairat al-Shater and officials from foreign embassies, as well as news reports and statements made by Brotherhood officials. The documents allegedly demonstrated Badie had made promises to the US to protect Egypt’s relations with foreign countries and to maintain Israel’s security in particular.

During his interrogation, Hanafy accused Badei of heading an illegal organization.

The prosecution released Hanafy without bail and charged him with libel and defamation. The prosecution demanded the police investigate the charges. A court date has not yet been set.

Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm