Colonel Konswa Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison After Announcing Intentions to Run for President

Colonel Ahmed Konswa has been sentenced to six years in prison after announcing that he is running for Egypt’s 2018 presidential elections.

Konswa has been charged with violating rules of the military and expressing political opinions.

Earlier in December, Konswa announced his intentions to join the presidential race making him the third candidate following rights lawyer Khaled Ali and Egypt’s former prime minister Ahmed Shafiq.

“I am Colonel Ahmed Konswa, an architect officer in the Egyptian armed forces would like to confirm that the story of justice and freedom is impossible to be ended on the Egyptian soil,” said Konswa in a video statement.

“I proudly declare that I have decided to unlock the current political deadlock by running for the anticipated Egyptian presidential election according to its terms and conditions as defined by the Egyptian constitution and relevant laws,” adds Konswa.

Konswa has been ordered in detention for 15 days, pending investigation, following announcing his candidacy for the coming presidential elections.

Konswa is not eligible to run for Egypt’s presidency unless he steps down from his role as an army man.

President al-Sisi has not yet announced his candidacy for next year’s  elections. However, he is widely expected to run for a second term.