September 16, 2013 -- We at York University wish to express our profound concern about the continued detention in Cairo, Egypt of John Greyson, an associate professor at York University and director of York’s graduate program in film, and Tarek Loubani, an emergency medicine physician and professor from London, Ontario. Greyson and Loubani have been held in Cairo without charges since August 16, 2013, and according to a statement issued yesterday by Minister of State Lynne Yelich, will remain in custody.

The undue delay in releasing the two Canadians, who have been held in detention for 30 days without a full explanation of the nature of the charges, raises serious concern in our minds about the fairness of the judicial process. We call upon Egyptian authorities to expedite their inquiry and to release the two men without further delay so that they may return to their families and friends in Canada.

The University will continue to monitor the situation closely and remain in contact with government officials to convey our deepest concern for the welfare of Greyson, a valued member of the York community, and Loubani.

Mamdouh Shoukri
President and Vice-Chancellor, York University

Media Contact:
Joanne Rider, Director of Media Relations, York University, 416 736 5593 / jrider@yorku.ca