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An Egyptian doctor detained in the Maldives after making a bomb remark at Velana International Airport has been released following diplomatic discussions.
Mariyam Adheela
Male’: Egyptian doctor Peter Samaan Marzouk has been released from custody in the Maldives and has returned to Egypt after diplomatic discussions between the two countries.
Marzouk, 38, was detained at Velana International Airport on September 18 after allegedly saying there was a bomb in his aunt’s luggage during security screening. No explosives or dangerous items were found.
The Criminal Court had ordered him to remain in custody for five days. He told the court that the remark was intended as a joke and apologised.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty instructed the Egyptian Embassy in Sri Lanka, which handles non-resident diplomatic representation for the Maldives, to contact Maldivian authorities over the case.
Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Haddad El-Gohary also held discussions with the Maldivian Foreign Ministry’s consular department regarding Marzouk’s release.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said the efforts resulted in Maldivian authorities agreeing to release Marzouk. He later returned to Egypt, where he was received by Egyptian officials along with his family.
