Egyptian army summons ex-military chief over presidential bid

CAIRO – Egyptian ex-military chief of staff Sami Anan was detained in Cairo on Tuesday, three of his campaign organizers said, after the army summoned him for questioning over his intention to run for president.

The interior ministry could not immediately be reached for comment. The military gave no immediate comment on the alleged detention.

The army had said in an earlier statement, which appeared in text on state TV and was read aloud by a spokesman, that "the armed forces will not overlook the blatant legal violations (Anan) has committed which are a serious breach of the laws of military service."

It said he had announced his candidacy "without getting permission from the armed forces ... or taking the steps necessary to terminate his service".