Solidarity vigil for Ismailia journalist

Sabri is accused of taking photos of military checkpoints Ismailia – Yosry Mohamed Activists in the Egyptian city of Ismailia have called for a vigil to be held on Wednesday in solidarity with journalist Mohammed Sabri. Sabri is being tried before a military court facing charges of taking photos of military installations and units in the border area of Rafah. The vigil has been publicised on Facebook, with posts claiming that Sabri is a leading member of "No to Military Trials for Civilians." Supporters are demanding his release and say he was acting as a journalist. The gathering is set to take place near the Galaa Bridge, opposite the headquarters of Egypt's Second Field Army. On Sunday, the Islamilia Military Court postponed Sabri's trial to January 9, ordering his continued detention on remand. Sabri, who works for several news agencies and newspapers, was arrested by border forces as he was taking photographs of their stations in the el-Masoura area, 100 metres away from the international borders. After he was arrested, the Arish military prosecution service ordered a four-day detention for Sabri. According to investigations, photos on his digital camera showed a number of security checkpoints, border-guard vehicles, areas where servicemen are stationed and watchtowers in the Karam Abu Salem area. In questioning, Sabri said he was preparing an investigative report on the killing of Egyptian soldiers at a Rafah border checkpoint in August 2012.