Families concerned for two Canadians detained in Cairo, still no word of charges

TORONTO – The families of two Canadians who’ve been arrested in Egypt say they’re very concerned about the safety of their loved ones.

John Greyson, a Toronto-based filmmaker and York University professor, and Tarek Loubani, an emergency room doctor in London, Ont., were in Cairo, on their way to Gaza, when they were arrested by Egyptian police on Friday.

Loubani’s family says the pair’s detention “falls short” of Egypt’s commitment to democratic values.

Justin Podur, a friend of both men, says the pair have been held in a Cairo prison for more than 48 hours and although Canadian consular staff have been in contact with them, Egyptian authorities have yet to provide a reason for their ongoing detention.

Greyson’s family says in a statement issued by Podur that they’re confident the Canadian embassy in Cairo is doing “everything they can” to free the pair.

In the same statement, Loubani’s brother says although he recognizes Egypt is going through a painful transition, arresting a doctor and filmmaker and detaining them without due process is “clearly a step in the wrong direction.”

“The Egyptian transitional Government has frequently repeated its commitment to democratic values and the rule of law. The continued detention of John and Tarek clearly falls short of that commitment,” said Mohammed Loubani.

Ottawa is demanding Egyptian authorities reveal what the two are being accused of.

Tensions in Egypt continue to escalate following the ouster of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi in early July.

In all, nearly 1,000 people have been killed in violence between security forces and supporters of Morsi since last Wednesday.