MB 'Guide' denies meeting Mubarak

The "General Guide" or chairman of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Dr. Mohammed Badie, denied he visited former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at his detention in the International Medical Center in Ismailia, describing it as “false”. Journalist Essam Kamel, chief editor of weekly newspaper called “Veto”, which issued its first edition Tuesday, claimed that the 'Guide' and his deputy Khairat el-Shater, had recently visited the International Medical Center and met with Hosni Mubarak. Kamel told Moataz Mattar, host of ‘Mahatet Masr’ TV show, in a phone call on-air Monday evening, that the visit was upon Muabrak’s request, who wanted to meet a Brotherhood authoritative figure. According to Kamel, the party agreed to send Mohammed Badei and Khairat el-Shater. Kamel added that the visit lasted for an hour, where Mubarak reminded both men of his relations with the Brotherhood during the Sadat era, and recalled his meeting with the third General Guide, Umar al-Telmisani, stressing that they had good relations until the misunderstanding occurred. Kamel stated that Mubarak wanted to know what would be the party's position if he was acquitted of all charges, stressing that he will not interfere in the political life of the country. El-Shater and Badei allegedly assured the ousted president that they would accept the court’s judgment if it does find him innocent but that they could not predict what the public reaction would be, according to Kamel. Kamel insisted that he has the necessary documents to prove his story if the Muslim Brotherhood officials decide to take legal action against him. The Brotherhood's spokesman Walid Shalabi denied the news published in the first edition of the newspaper, concerning the alleged encounter. Shalabi said, in a press statement copied to ‘Arabstoday’, that the news is far from right; a pure fabrication and a fraud not based on any evidence, lacking professionalism, objectivity, and honesty on the writer’s part. He added that such news are spread during the Egyptian elections are aimed at influencing the voters, urging all media to be sure of any news before publishing them, so as not to contribute in spreading lies. The organisation released a press statement on Monday confirming that their lawyers will file a complaint against the newspaper to the general prosecutor as soon as the Veto issue is published on Tuesday.