Egypt's steel magnate Ahmed Ezz who was a top official in Ex-president Mohamed Mubarak's party and is now being investigated for graft on Tuesday charges against him were unfounded and he hoped for a fair trial.
Ahmed Ezz who quit the party during protests that erupted on Jan. 25 has been detained since Feb. 17 pending trial on suspicion of wasting public funds.
I refute all of the allegations brought against me and I know that a fair and proper legal process would prove my innocence Ahmed Ezz said in a letter sent to media from prison his first comments after his detention pending trial.
He was charged with illegally taking control of state-owned al-Dekheila Steel which then supplied Ezz Steel with steel at reduced prices causing al-Dekheila heavy losses.
Suspicions of official corruption helped fuel mass protests in Egypt that led to the overthrow of Mohamed Mubarak on Feb. 11.
Analysts and the Egyptian public see the charges against Ezz as a concession to help quell unrest as the new military rulers seek to show they are tackling the corruption of the old regime.
Ahmed Ezz was among top targets of protesters driven by complaints about poverty corruption and political repression. His resignation last month from the National Democratic Party was met with cheers.
In his letter he praised the people's revolt and said he had no regrets over things he did in public life.
In this unprecedented time for the country, it is important to remember what our youth are calling for: freedom and democracy Ahmed Ezz wrote.
He added he hoped that while Egypt sought a bright future he would not become a scapegoat for mistakes of executives or politicians close to Mohamed Mubarak.
I truly hope I can at least depend on a full representation of the facts due legal process and a fair trial.
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