Charges could still come against Canadians held in Egypt

A nightmarish stay in Egypt is not yet over for two Canadians who have been held in prison for seven weeks despite having no charges yet laid against them.

John Greyson and Dr. Tarek Loubani, arrested on Aug. 19 after allegedly participating in a political protest after curfew, were released from a Cairo prison over the weekend amid celebrations from Canada's ministry of foreign affairs.

Yet an attempt to board a plan to Frankfurt, Germany was blocked, according to the Associated Press. Now CBC News reports that the two men are not free to leave the country because charges may still be laid against them.

CBC's Middle East correspondent Sasa Petricic reported that Greyson and Loubani may have to wait for prosecutors to determine what charges they will lay against all 600 people arrested the night of the unlawful protest.

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Greyson and Loubani, a filmmaker and an emergency room doctor, say they were not participating in the late-night demonstration, but had stopped at a police station to ask for directions to their hotel while travelling through the country on business.

The fact they have been released from prison could have something to do with pressure put on Egypt by the Canadian government and other sources.

Lynne Yelich, minister of state for foreign affairs and consular services, celebrated the pair's release late Saturday night, saying "Minister Baird and I were in contact with senior Egyptian officials on numerous occasions concerning this case, and the Embassy of Canada to Egypt worked tirelessly to secure their release."

Justin Podur, a friend who has been leading a campaign to secure their release, also celebrated over the weekend. By Monday, however, he appeared less positive.

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Greyson and Loubani could petition to have their name removed from the list of accused, which might free them up to leave the country sooner, although that seems to run parallel to similar attempts to clear their names endeavored during their time behind bars.

So while Greyson and Loubani are free from prison, it could be some time before they are truly free.

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