Cairo yesterday accused Tehran of supporting a Shi'ite organization whose members were arrested recently in Egypt on charges of spreading the Shi'a in the country, harming the Sunna and the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, and accepting funds from outside countries.

Egypt stated that the investigation of the organization's members, and of its head, known Shi'ite propagandist Hassan Shahata, showed that they were supported by Iran.

The affair has increased the already existing tension between Iran and Egypt.

Source: Al-Hayat, London, September 3, 2009