Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2015-03-31
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it is aware and doing all it can to assist a South African man of Egyptian decent being detained in Egypt without charge.
65 year old Sheikh Abdul Salam Jad Bassiouni, who heads the Al-Tawheed Centre in Lenasia, along with his son Bilal were detained by Egypt’s national security at Cairo airport on the 2nd of December last year.
Bilal was released but his father continues to be detained at the notorious Tora prison in that country.
This is the same prison complex where many high profile political figures, including the deposed President Mohamed Morsi is being held.
The department’s Nelson Kgwete says they are using various diplomatic channels to assist the Bassiouni family.
“Our embassy in Egypt has held consultations with our counterparts in that country and we have enquired on the matter of the charges that he is facing.”
Kgwete says a meeting was also held with the Egyptian ambassador in South Africa enquiring why Bassioni is being detained without being charged.
“The South African government will continue to liaise with Egyptian authorities. We are going to remain on the case until the matter is dealt with fairly and transparently.”
Meanwhile the family of Bassiouni say they are concerned about his health as he has taken a nasty fall in prison.
– EWN
0 Comments