US Consul to Cairo Roberto Powers met Saturday with Ilan Grapel, who currently stands accused of spying for Israel, at the state security prosecution offices. In attendance were Grapel’s parents, who arrived from Washington.
Grapel had earlier come to Cairo on a scholarship when he was arrested by intelligence services one month after the 25 January revolution erupted.
During investigations, Grapel reportedly admitted mistakes he made in Egypt.
State-run news agency MENA reported that Grapel’s meeting with his parents was sentimental.
Grapel suffers from an inherited chronic disease, MENA also reported. His mother, who suffers from the same illness, called on Egyptian and US authorities to immediately intervene and have Grapel released due to his health condition.
Cairo is mulling the US demand for Grapel’s release.
The Facebook group demanding Grapel’s release said that releasing Grapel will bring many benefits for Egypt and the revolution, most important of which is US economic support for Egypt. The group said it was important to have strong relations ahead of an upcoming meeting between a US congressional delegation with the ruling military council and the cabinet, as well as an anticipated visit from the US defense secretary to Cairo to discuss Grapel’s release.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
