Two Canadian professors were released from detention Oct. 5 and are currently receiving help from Canadian officials to facilitate their departure from Egypt, according to a press release from the Canadian government.
John Greyson, a film professor at York University, and Tarek Loubani, a medical professor at Western University, were arrested Aug. 16 while trying to find their hotel in Cairo.
The two intended on using Egypt as a stopover on their way to Gaza, where Greyson would be filming a documentary and Loubani would be taking part in training local doctors.
Since their arrest, numerous Canadian officials had pressed for their release. Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) said in a statement that Canada welcomes the release of the two professors.
“I look forward to Dr. Loubani and Mr. Greyson being reunited with their families and friends, who have shown tremendous strength during this difficult time,” Yelich said.
She said the Canadian government kept in close contact with the Egyptian government regarding the welfare of the two, and to ensure their successful release.
“We are facilitating Dr. Loubani and Mr. Greyson’s departure from Egypt, and Canadian officials will continue to offer consular services to them and their families as needed,” Yelich said. “I wish to express our appreciation to the Egyptian authorities for providing consistent consular access.”
York University president Mamdouh Shoukri said in a statement the university is “relieved and grateful” for their release.
“We wish to express our sincere appreciation to their families, friends, colleagues, and all those who have been actively involved in supporting them through this difficult time,” Shoukri said. “We look forward to their safe and swift return to Canada, and to welcoming John back to York.”
Western University president Amit Chakma said in a statement that the university was “greatly encouraged” by the news after the two were detained without formal charges
“While few other details concerning their release are currently available, as of 11:00 am, October 6, media reports indicate that they were released early Sunday morning and that Canadian consular officials are working to facilitate their departure from Egypt to return home to Canada,” the statement read.
