London doctor could soon be free

By Hank Daniszewski

There is a glimmer of hope Tarek Loubani, MD'07, and John Greyson could be released from an Egyptian prison soon.

The London emergency doctor and the Toronto-based filmmaker had a another hearing before an Eygptian prosecutor in Cairo Thursday (September 26), and Greyson's sister said their detention was acknowledged as a priority case.

“There were indication given to their lawyers that the Egyptian prosecutor understands this is a sensitive case . . . a case with bigger implications with the Canadian government,” said Cecilia Greyson, who said a family member talked directly to Loubani and Greyson's Egyptian lawyers.

Greyson said there is still no clear indication of a release date and the Egyptian lawyers could ask for another 15 days of detention.

“Their lawyers were encouraged . . . There was movement we have not seen before. But it could still go the other way. We really don't know,” said Greyson.

The pair,who started a hunger strike 12 days ago, have been held without charge for 42 days after they were arrested on their way to Gaza.  Egyptian officials claimed they were part of a conspiracy to attack a police station.

Federal foreign affairs minster John Baird said he spoke briefly to his Egyptian counterpart, Nabil Fahmy, about Loubani and Greyson's detainment.