'Egypt extends alleged spy Grapel's remand by 45 days'

Suspected Mossad agent to remain jailed despite US request that he be released while investigation pending, 'Al Ahram' reports.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Ilan Grapel_311 (photo credit: Channel 10 News)
Ilan Grapel_311
(photo credit: Channel 10 News)
An Egyptian court has ruled to extend the remand of alleged Mossad spy Ilan Grapel by 45 additional days, Egyptian daily Al Ahram reported on Wednesday.
The remand was extended despite an appeal by the US embassy in Cairo that Grapel be released while the investigation was ongoing on their assurances. Egyptian prosecutors maintained that the dual US-Israeli citizen posed a flight risk and the court denied the American request, according to the report.
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Grapel was arrested at his downtown Cairo hotel by Egyptian state security officers in June on suspicion of working for Israeli intelligence to foment sectarian strife and gather intelligence on post-revolution Egypt.
The Emory University Law student, and former IDF soldier, traveled to Egypt this summer as part of his work for a charity helping African refugees.
His family, friends and the Israeli government have categorically denied he was working as a spy in Egypt.