Trial of steel tycoon Ahmed Ezz delayed to September 5

The Cairo Criminal Court adjourned till September 5 the retrial of steel tycoon Ahmed Ezz and codefendant ex-chairman of the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Amr Assal over corruption charges.

The session was delayed to receive the government's response to the waiver submitted by Ezz who gave up his second steel manufacturing license, the main reason behind the trial.

In December 2012, Ezz was granted a retrial by the Court of Cassation, which revoked an earlier sentence of 10 years against him.

The court also annulled a 15-year sentence for former industry minister Rashid Mohamed Rashid.

Ezz is facing charges of acquiring free licenses for the operation of his steel factories with the help of Rashid and Assal, in violation of laws which stipulate that licenses must be granted through open bids.