Morsi relies on defamation charge

CAIRO, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Free-speech advocates said Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has pursued more defamation cases against journalists than any leader in the past 115 years.

A report by the Arab Network for Human Rights Information said Morsi has filed 25 defamation cases since his election in June. Only 14 such cases have been filed by Egyptian leaders over the last 115 years, the group said.

Defaming a national leader is a criminal offense in Egypt, though it's rarely been invoked. Several of those charged have been sentenced to prison terms of two to five years, Egypt Independent said Monday.