Verdict delayed for Egyptian-Canadian accused of spying

A verdict in the case of an Egyptian-Canadian charged with spying for Israel has been postponed.

The Cairo judge announced the delay until April 21 during a hearing for Mohamed el-Attar, a Toronto resident arrested in January when he returned to visit his native Egypt.

The verdict was originally expected Wednesday.

Instead, defence lawyer Ibrahim Bassiouny presented a four-hour argument on el-Attar's innocence.

After the hearing, Bassiouny said it's a positive sign that the judge postponed the verdict.

The 30-year-old defendant is charged with working as an Israeli intelligence informant and harming Egyptian national interests. He has pleaded not guilty and said he was tortured into giving confessions.

If found guilty, el-Attar could face a 25-year prison sentence with hard labour.