Author: Justin Podur

Canadians detained in Egypt refuse food to protest the arbitrary nature of their detention

September 16, 2013
12:00pm

For immediate release –

Canadian filmmaker, John Greyson, and emergency room physician, Tarek Loubani, have informed friends and supporters through their Egyptian lawyers that they will be refusing food beginning September the 16th to protest the arbitrary nature of their detention by Egyptian authorities.

Continue reading “Tarek and John are on hunger strike”

Sept 15/13, 3pm

After a brief meeting in Tora prison, where Canadians John Greyson and Tarek Loubani have been held for the past 30 days, the Cairo district prosecutor, Mohamed Heta, announced today that he would extend their detention period for a further 15 days.

Egyptian authorities have not provided any reason for the extension or for the ongoing detention of Greyson and Loubani. Greyson and Loubani were first arrested in the early evening of Friday, August 16th, when they approached Egyptian police officials to ask for directions in the Azbakiya district of Cairo.

Continue reading “Update on John and Tarek: Detention extended again”

September 5, 11pm

Tarek and John had another visit from consulars and from our lawyers yesterday. We have heard more about how they are doing, which continues to be summarized as “good health and high spirits”, although they have now been in for about three weeks, entirely at the prosecutor’s discretion, and our own frustration and that of friends and supporters continues to grow.

Continue reading “Update on John and Tarek: No decision, no release”

August 30, 8:30am

This morning, the district prosecutor in Cairo met with our lawyers, staff from the Canadian Embassy, and John and Tarek. This was the meeting that had been set for Thursday.

The prosecutor said his own investigation was continuing and he was waiting for additional information, which he expects to come in another few days, before making his decision about whether Tarek and John would be released. Our lawyers will be checking in daily to see if the prosecutor has made his decision.

Tarek and John remain in high spirits.

Aug 29, 2013, 11am

After waiting the entire day outside the prison, and with curfew approaching, our lawyers had to leave as the prosecutor had not arrived by the end of the day. Tarek and John remain in prison. No word has come about rescheduling their appearance before the prosecutor. No other hearings took place, including for other prisoners who were up for their appearances before the prosecutor.

Continue reading “Update: Prosecutor did not appear, no hearing today”