Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2014-12-10

The family of a South African man has spoken out for the first time since his arrest in Egypt.

Sheikh Abdul Salaam Bassiouni who heads the Al Tawheed Islam Centre in Lenasia with branches across South Africa was detained by Egyptian authorities on Monday.

“Sheikh Bassiouni was on his way for holiday with his family to Egypt earlier this month and he was unlawfully detained upon arrival at the airport for interrogation by state security,” the official spokesperson for the Bassiouni family, attorney Ferhana Ismail told Radio Islam.

Ismail said the charges levelled against Sheikh Bassiouni by the state includes that he is a member of the Muslim Brotherhood and aiding and assisting the organization.

“We all know this is untrue as sheikh is a well known respected member of the community,” said Ismail.

Ismail said the family has engaged legal council in Egypt.

“Since we are in a foreign jurisdiction, we will have to follow due process on the law in Egypt. The family and the attorney at present have not been allowed access to sheikh.”

Ismail confirmed the family is engaging with political, diplomatic channels, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and foreign affairs for assistance.

“As far as the South African Embassy in Egypt is concerned, they have been assisting, but we have been getting no real joy from the Egyptian authorities. In fact they initially denied sheikh was arrested and detained.”

Ismail said she was asked by the Bassiouni family to convey a message to the South African community especially the Lenasia community, where the Al Tawheed Centre is based to continue to pray for Sheikh Bassiouni’s release and safe return.

“Until our efforts are exhausted we urge and request the community not to campaign, not to protest until we received a report back on our present efforts,” said Ismail

(Twitter: @Faizie143)