Egyptian military pardons soldier turned protester

19.02.2011

The Higher Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces, now in control of the country, said Saturday it had pardoned a soldier who defected to join protesters during the recent popular uprising, DPA reported.

The military said Major Ahmed Shoman was pardoned because the army "believes in the noble purpose behind the January 25 revolution," despite his actions having gone "against the laws and charters ruling this institution."

Shoman spoke to Arab media during the protests in Tahrir Square, which served as the hub of Cairo's anti-government protests, saying he wanted to protect the people, not the regime.

He had been scheduled to be tried in a military court this Tuesday on charges of incitement to overthrow the government, neglect, disobeying orders, and surrendering his weapon when he joined protesters.

The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights had urged the military to pardon Shoman, saying it would be "the expression of the national spirit of the army," according to the Daily News Egypt.

He was among a handful of soldiers who joined protesters during the 18-day long popular revolt that led to the ouster of former president Hosny Mubarak after nearly 30 years in power.

Source: Trend.
Link: http://en.trend.az/regions/world/ocountries/1832543.html.