-
Egyptian Death Row Inmate Appears with Jolani.. Reveals Complex Relationship Networks
-
Egyptian wanted man's relationship with Erdogan's advisor and Jolani points to intertwined interests between hardline forces and official entities in the region
The appearance of Egyptian Mahmoud Fathi, who is sentenced to death, with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani and Turkish presidential advisor Yasin Aktay has sparked widespread controversy, revealing complexities in the region's political landscape.
Egyptian judicial documents indicate Fathi's inclusion on terrorism lists six times, with multiple sentences against him, including death sentence in the assassination of Attorney General Hisham Barakat, life imprisonment in the "Helwan Battalions" case, and 15 years for "targeting security checkpoints."
Fathi's path took a sharp turn after the "January 25, 2011 revolution," where he participated in founding the Salafi "Virtue Party" and led the "Hazemoun" movement supporting Islamist leader Hazem Salah Abu Ismail.
Fathi's activity on X platform reveals his role in inciting the "At Your Service Syria" conference organized by the Muslim Brotherhood in June 2013, and besieging the Syrian embassy in Cairo with Hazem Salah Abu Ismail.
Following former President Mohamed Morsi's overthrow, Fathi sought refuge in Turkey, which refused to extradite him to Egyptian authorities despite an Interpol notice, where he continued his opposition to the Egyptian regime.
Egyptian investigations accuse Fathi of involvement in planning and financing 32 "terrorist" operations targeting security facilities and infrastructure between 2013 and 2015, within the "Helwan Battalions" case.
Fathi's presence in Syria and Turkey raises questions about the credibility of recent Egyptian-Turkish rapprochement, especially with Ankara's continued harboring of individuals wanted by Egyptian justice.
Security reports indicate Fathi's continued "terrorist" activity from abroad until 2024, raising questions about Turkey's commitment to its counter-terrorism pledges.
Political analysts view Fathi's appearance with influential figures in the new Syrian scene as revealing attempts by some regional powers to influence Syria's future through supporting hardline groups.
Levant-Agencies
