Greyson~Loubani send video of thanks

Two Canadians who spent seven weeks in an Egyptian jail have appeared on YouTube to say “hello” to their Canadian supporters.

John Greyson, and Tarek Loubani appeared thin but otherwise in good spirits in the video. Scot Urquhart has more on their ordeal and their message to supporters in this country.

Greyson and Loubani were arrested August 16th during chaotic street clashes between security forces and supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi.

Although they were never charged with any crimes, they spent seven weeks in jail, part of it on a hunger strike, hoping to pressure Egyptian authorities to release them. They were released on the weekend, but still have not been able to leave Egypt, as authorities there say the pair remain under “active investigation”, and it’s up to an Egyptian judge, to decide when, and whether, they are free to return to Canada. Loubani is an emergency room physician from London, Ontario, and says the men were tending to wounded protestors in the street, when they were arrested, beaten and imprisoned by Egyptian security forces. John Greyson, a Toronto filmmaker says, the ordeal is not over yet. But they wanted to say hello, and thank you, to those who made an effort, to secure their release: “We’re very touched and overwhelmed. We’re just getting a sense now of the incredible support that was there, that came together from every corner, People in Canada, people around the world, people in Egypt to make this day possible.”

Canadian consular officials say they are working to cut some red tape with Egyptian authorities, and hope to secure an exit visa for the pair that will allow them to fly home to Canada, within the next few days.