Family calls on Canadian government to step in after man detained in Egypt

The family of a Canadian man detained in Egypt is calling on the federal government to step in after they were informed that he is being held in a notorious prison without charge.

Amal Ahmed Albaz says her family was “torn apart” last week when her father was stopped at Cairo International Airport and had his passport seized by Egyptian authorities.

She says her father, 51-year-old Yasser Ahmed Albaz, who lives in Oakville. Ont., had been in Egypt on a business trip for his engineering firm since December, and the family doesn’t know why he was detained and questioned.

Amal says her father’s lawyer told the family on Saturday night that Yasser is being held in a prison in Cairo, which has been the subject of concern from various human rights groups, but no charges have been laid and it is not known why he remains in custody.

A Global Affairs Canada spokesman says the government agency is aware that a Canadian citizen was detained in Egypt and consular services were provided, but he could not provide further information citing privacy concerns.

Amal says the lawyer told the family that Yasser will be questioned by Egyptian authorities again on Tuesday, but she is concerned for her father’s safety and hopes the Canadian government will get involved in bringing him home.

 

The Canadian Press

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