The prosecution of an editor for publishing criticism of Egypts President and the Muslim Brotherhood should be halted and freedom of expression protected, Amnesty International said.

Al-Dostor editor Islam Afifi is set to stand trial on Thursday before the Giza Criminal Court in Cairo, reportedly on charges of publishing false information insulting to Egypts President Morsi.

Both the authorities and the Muslim Brotherhood must accept public criticism of their positions and actions without trying to hide behind Mubarak-era laws criminalizing the exercise of the right to freedom of expression, said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International's Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director.

Egypt should uphold its international obligations and ensure people are not subject to criminal prosecution for peaceful criticism, even if what they say is perceived to be offensive.

Al-Dostor, a daily newspaper and website, came under investigation by Egypts Public Prosecution following complaints over its criticism of the Muslim Brotherhood. The paper is known for its editorial stand against the movement, including a June article where al-Dostor claimed the Muslim Brotherhood was preparing a massacre if Mohamed Morsi lost the countrys presidential election.

An issue of al-Dostor published on 11 August was confiscated by the authorities after it claimed the Muslim Brotherhood was trying to establish an Islamic state in Egypt.

President Morsi, who resigned from the Muslim Brotherhood after he won the election, had publicly warned media on 9 August against spreading rumours that would destabilize Egypt.

It is very disappointing that journalists continue to face prosecution in Egypt for their writing in spite of the 25 January Revolution and its hopes for change, said Amnesty International.

Egypt is a state party to the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the right to freedom of expression.

Amnesty International had called on President Morsi in a June memorandum to review and repeal provisions of Egyptian law which, under the rule of Hosni Mubarak and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (the SCAF), were frequently used to suppress criticism of the authorities and public figures.

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Egypt must uphold freedom of expression and halt prosecution of journalist