Prime Minister must intervene directly in Fahmy case

February 10, 2015

“We were extremely disappointed to learn that Egyptian authorities have set a retrial for detained Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy.

“This occurred despite assurances given to Canada’s Ambassador to Egypt that Mr. Fahmy’s release was ‘a done deal,’ and statements from former Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird that Mr. Fahmy’s release was ‘imminent.’

“It is clear that the time has come for the Prime Minister to involve himself in Mr. Fahmy’s case, as previous diplomatic efforts have evidently broken down. Mr. Harper should follow the lead of American, British and Australian officials, who were successful in securing the release of correspondent Peter Greste.

“Canadians need to know that their government will do everything in its power to ensure the release of Canadians unjustly imprisoned abroad.

“A Canadian citizen has been outrageously imprisoned as a result of an arbitrary and farcical process. Mr. Harper must intervene directly on behalf of Mr. Fahmy and demand his immediate release.”