Egyptian opposition coalition criticises Sisi, weighs electoral challenge

A group of Egyptian politicians fired rare, pointed critiques at Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and said they were considering challenging him in upcoming elections, depending on the fate of jailed leader Hisham Kassem.
The Free Current Movement, or al-Tayar al-Hurr, was formed this summer from a collection of liberal opposition groups and figures who say their main issue is the country’s deteriorating economy.
Kassem, the group’s outspoken founder, was arrested on charges of slander and verbal assault last week and remains in jail until his trial begins on Sept. 2.
Members of his coalition described his arrest as politically motivated, and said they would decide on participation in elections based on what happened with his case, as well as guarantees of a free election.
While the coalition is not seen as posing a major threat to Sisi, who is expected to run for his third term in elections early next year following constitutional amendments, its pointed criticism of the government is rare.