Starting September 16, York professor John Greyson and physician Tarek Loubani begun refusing food to protest their detention in Egypt.
According to tarekandjohn.com, a site run by Greyson’s sister Cecilia and York professor Justin Podur, their detention could be extended for up to two years without any formal charges.
The two were first arrested on August 16, when they asked Egyptian police for directions in the Azbakiya district of Cairo, on accusations of being part of an armed gang, threatening security, and possessing firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
Cairo district prosecutor Mohamed Heta met with the Canadians on September 15 and announced he would extend their detention period for another 15 days.
The reasons for this extension have not been provided by Egyptian authorities.
“We can only imagine the anguish that John and Tarek feel after realizing that their detention could be extended for so long in what can only be described as an arbitrary process that lacks any credibility,” Cecilia said in a press release on September 16.
“We know that they did not take the decision to begin a hunger strike lightly, and we want them to know we will do everything we can to support them and get them homesoon.”
Delays from the prosecutor have caused grief for many friends and family members of Loubani and Greyson, while support continues to pour in from the Canadian government as well as the York community.
Mohammed Loubani, Tarek’s brother says he is overwhelmed by all of the support he has received in the campaign to bring Tarek and John back home. “We are also grateful to the many Department of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade employees and consular officials,” said Mohammed in the same press release.
“They have worked so tirelessly to make sure Tarek and John stay safe and are returned to us as soon as possible.”
“Tarek and John have answered every question that has been put to them and now it is time for the Egyptian authorities to do the same,” said Mohammed.
President and Vice-Chancellor of York University, Mamdouh Shoukri said in a statement that the university wishes to express its profound concern about Greyson and Loubani’s continued detention.
“The undue delay in releasing the two Canadians, who have been held in detention for 30 days without a full explanation of the nature of the charges, raises serious concerns in our minds about the fairness of the judicial process,” said Shoukri.
“We call upon Egyptian authorities to expedite their inquiry and to release the two men without further delay so that they may return to their families and friends in Canada.”
Over 115,000 signatures have been collected on change.org, calling for their release.
Michael Burton
Executive Editor Online
