The Proceedings of a Political Investigation Before the Socialist Prosecutor

Description

In this book, Mohamed Hassanein Heikal reveals the details of the political investigation in which he appeared as a defendant before the Socialist Prosecutor. The details, statements, accusations, and significant repercussions are readily apparent within these pages, revealing circumstances that demand reflection and attention. Heikal’s reason for publishing these events stems from the fact that his own story with the Socialist Prosecutor has preoccupied, and continues to preoccupy, many. Little has been published about the proceedings of this investigation, but as Heikal himself sees it, this was not so much due to the secrecy of the investigation as it was to a “conspiracy of silence”—he avoids the term “conspiracy of silence.” Those who chose silence had learned their lesson and understood that speaking without orders is fraught with danger, while silence—even without orders—can be a fortified refuge. Furthermore, the absence of the People’s Assembly—the jury in this case—throughout the investigation, or its representation therein, led Heikal to believe that publishing these events had become his duty. In addition to all this, these events had to come to light to represent Heikal’s response, a response that had been absent during the campaigns waged against him for years during his crisis. He had no opportunity to reply, to present his viewpoint, or to voice his opinion with the authority it deserved, despite this being one of the most basic human rights. Thus, the transcripts of the interrogation conducted by the socialist prosecutor provided him with his first opportunity to express his perspective in Egypt, and he speaks his mind on these pages with the authority it deserves in an official document.