Shiites in Iraq (Archives)
Photo: AP
Egypt charges 13 with promoting Shiism
Prosecutors accusing Shiite cleric, 12 others group of receiving funds from Iran to promote 'extremist ideas to sow unrest in Egypt'
An Egyptian official says a Shiite cleric and 12 others have been accused of receiving funds from Iran to promoting "extremist" Shiite doctrine in Sunni-dominated Egypt.
Shiites form a small minority in Egypt, where Sunni Islam is the official state religion.
The official said Thursday that prosecutors are accusing the group of insulting Sunni Islam and promoting extremist ideas to sow unrest in Egypt.
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the case.
The group was detained in June. According to the investigation, the Egyptian Shiite cleric traveled to Iran twice to receive instructions and funding.
Egypt has accused Tehran of meddling in Arab affairs through proxy groups, such as the Lebanese Hezbollah.
