An Egyptian national who was detained at Velana International Airport (VIA) after joking that there was a bomb in his luggage has been released following a request from the Egyptian government.
Peter Samaan Marzouk, 38, was detained on September 18 after allegedly making the bomb remark while airport security officers were checking luggage belonging to his aunt. He was subsequently remanded in custody for five days by the Criminal Court on allegations of intimidation and providing false information.
Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that it had secured Marzouk’s release and facilitated his return to Egypt.
According to the ministry, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty instructed the Egyptian Embassy in Sri Lanka, which has non-resident diplomatic accreditation to the Maldives, to urgently contact Maldivian authorities regarding the case and provide Marzouk with consular assistance.
Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and Egyptians Abroad, Ambassador Haddad Abdel-Tawab El-Gohary, also held discussions with the Consular Department of the Maldivian Foreign Ministry regarding the case.
Egypt said the discussions resulted in Maldivian authorities agreeing to release Marzouk, citing the close and cooperative relations between the two countries.
Egyptian consular officials also maintained contact with Marzouk’s family throughout the case and provided updates on efforts to resolve the matter and facilitate his return.
Following his return to Egypt, El-Gohary received Marzouk and his family at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The family expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Egyptian government and relevant authorities.
Marzouk had told the Criminal Court that he made the bomb remark as a joke and apologized for it. However, the court initially ordered his detention, noting the security implications of making such a statement at an airport and the possibility that he could leave the country if released.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has since urged its citizens travelling abroad to comply with local laws and airport security instructions, and to contact the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate if they face legal difficulties or detention.
