The New Cairo Criminal Court heard the testimony of the 14th defendant in the drug manufacturing case involving several defendants, including Sara Khalifa, after the defense requested his statement.
During the session, the judge addressed the defendant, asking what he had to say, to which he replied: “I swear I have no connection to this matter and I know nothing about it,” completely denying all charges.
The defense argued for the nullification of the arrest and detention order, citing contradictions between the initial investigations and the later inquiries that formed the basis of the accusation.
They also requested the invalidation of procedures due to the failure to submit all seized items for forensic examination, noting that some defendants denied knowing the 14th defendant at all.
The defense highlighted doubts about the seriousness and independence of the investigations, stressing that the scope was expanded without solid legal grounds.
They questioned the legality of the arrest, asking whether it relied solely on statements from other defendants without direct physical evidence.
The defense further requested hearing the testimony of the defendant’s wife, who confirmed that around 15 individuals came to their residence and arrested her husband.
Lawyers also pointed out shortcomings in identifying how the drugs entered the country, considering this a critical gap that could change the course of the case.
They demanded acquittal, annulment of investigations, exclusion of electronic searches, and dismissal of procedures exceeding legal limits.
On the other hand, the prosecution read the referral order, asserting that the investigation proved the provision of locations and equipment, exchange of messages and funds, and suspicious movements supported by recordings, seized materials, and laboratory examinations.
The session ended with defense requests to reassess the evidence, awaiting decisive developments in upcoming hearings.
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