Joint Media Release
29 May 2003
The Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer MP and The Attorney-General Daryl Williams AM QC MP
Australian detained in Egypt
Egyptian authorities detained an Australian citizen in Cairo on 26 May 2003. He was initially detained for overstaying his visa, and is being held for further questioning.
The Australian Embassy in Cairo is seeking consular access to the man at the earliest opportunity. His family in Australia is aware of his detention and is being kept informed of developments.
It is alleged that he trained with al-Qa’ida in Afghanistan in mid-2001. He is believed to have been in Egypt since his last departure from Australia in October 2002.
He has been, and remains, the subject of investigations by Australian authorities.
Contacts: Chris Kenny (Mr Downer’s office) 02-6277 7500, Carina Tan-Van Baren (Mr Williams’office) 02-6277 7300