9 June 2026
The Cairo Criminal Court (Second Criminal Circuit), held at the Badr security complex, adjourned the trial of Makram Makram al‑Sayed Gomaa, pending case No. 13673 of 2024 (Fifth Settlement Criminal), registered under No. 2992 of 2024 (New Cairo) and No. 330 of 2022 (Supreme State Security), to 15 September 2026 because the defendant and several other defendants could not be brought from custody to the court without giving reasons.
Despite the absence of defendants, the court heard testimony from two prosecution witnesses, both officers who took part in the arrests of some of the defendants. At the 15 April session, the court heard the first witness and then adjourned to continue hearing the remaining witnesses; the referral order was read at the 28 January 2026 session, at which the defendants denied the charges brought against them. At the 27 October 2025 session, some defendants were unable to attend for undisclosed security reasons, prompting an adjournment to January 2026.
It is noted that the defendant, a 45‑year‑old laborer, was arrested on 24 March 2022 in Port Said while returning from work and remained held in an undisclosed location unknown to his family and lawyer until he was presented to the Supreme State Security Prosecution on 18 April 2022. The prosecution charged him with joining a terrorist organization with knowledge of its purposes; broadcasting false news, statements, and rumors domestically and abroad that could disturb public order and security, harm public and national interests, and affect the state’s prestige and economic standing; and direct and indirect public incitement to commit a terrorist act.
The prosecution ordered his detention for 15 days pending investigation, and he remained in custody until the decision to refer him for criminal trial was announced on 7 December 2025, on charges of joining a terrorist organization and deliberately broadcasting false news via his social media accounts. His first trial session began on 27 October 2025.
