Cairo: Media in Egypt have been banned from reporting on the high-profile murder trial of an Egyptian tycoon with strong political ties, and cameras were kept outside the courtroom today after the judge in the case imposed a gag order.

The decision to muzzle the media came yesterday, when Judge al-Muhammadi Qunsuwa issued the order, saying that only publication of the court's procedural decisions in the case and the final verdict would be allowed.

Despite the ban, dozens of reporters packed the courtroom today but had to leave their mobile telephones and recorders outside.

The trial of tycoon Hisham Talaat Moustafa has drawn wide media attention across Egypt, where many were stunned by the murder charges and the arrest of the prominent real estate mogul and lawmaker.

Moustafa is a close friend of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's son, Gamal, and part of a powerful group long held as untouchables because they were seen as above the law in Egypt's hierarchical class-based society. He is also a member of the Shura Council, the parliament's upper chamber.

Moustafa was charged with ordering the killing of Lebanese popdiva Suzanne Tamim, with whom he was allegedly romantically involved. Tamim was found stabbed to death in her Dubai apartment in July.

The prosecution alleges Moustafa paid a former Egyptian policeman, Mohsen el-Sukkary, ISD 2 million to carry out the killing and helped him obtain visas and tickets as the ex-policeman trailed the singer to London and later to Dubai.
Source : PTI