Egypt: police arrest publisher of book that supports former UN nuclear chief, calls for change

Egyptian publisher of pro-ElBaradei book arrested

CAIRO — An Egyptian official says police have arrested a publisher and confiscated copies of a book calling for political change and lauding the former head of the U.N. nuclear agency, Mohammed ElBaradei.

The official says police on Saturday raided the home and business of Ahmed Mahanna, owner of Dawin publishing.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak to the media, refused to provide details.

Mahanna published the book, “ElBaradei and the Dream of a Green Revolution.” It places hope for political change in Egypt on ElBaradei, the Nobel Peace Prize winner whom some in Egypt want to see run for president.

Since returning this year, ElBaradei has spoken forcefully for constitutional changes to make Egypt’s elections freer and fairer.