UK Man Appeals for Prime Minister's Intervention in Wife's Detention in Egypt
A Birmingham man is urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to contact Egyptian authorities regarding the detention of his wife, Eman el-Shazly, who has been held for two months.
Zeesharn Moustapha, whose wife Eman el-Shazly was detained by Egyptian authorities two months ago, has publicly called for Prime Minister Andy Burnham to intervene in the case. El-Shazly, from Handsworth Wood in Birmingham, was reportedly taken from her mother's home in Cairo in connection with her sister's online activism.
Moustapha described his family's feelings of helplessness and stated that he believes a direct appeal from Burnham to Egypt is their "only possible solution." He has had no direct contact with his wife since her detention. Information received from his mother-in-law suggests that el-Shazly's health has declined due to insufficient food and medical care.
"It's not a five-star hotel, there's 30 individuals sleeping in a cell with one toilet and one shower," Moustapha told the BBC, detailing the conditions of the detention facility. He also noted that his wife had traveled to Egypt to care for her elderly and sick mother. The mother-in-law has reportedly been making long journeys to provide food for el-Shazly's two detained brothers.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed it is in contact with Egyptian authorities regarding the situation. The Egyptian consulate in London has been approached for a response.