Egypt secures release of doctor detained in Maldives over bomb joke

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has secured the release of a doctor who was arrested from the Maldives national airport two weeks back for joking about having a bomb inside his sister’s luggage.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said that they had successfully secured the release of Egyptian doctor Peter Semaan Marzouk, ensuring his return home.

While the Foreign Ministry did not the circumstances of his arrest, Sun has learnt that the 38-year-old was arrested from the Velana International Airport on September 18 in an unfortunate incident involving a bomb joke.

According to court documents, Marzouk made the bomb remark as airport officials attempted to check his sister’s bag during departure screening.

The remark sparked an immediate security response, with both police and soldiers deployed to check the bag. The search came up empty, and Marzouk told the officers that he had only been joking, and apologized.

He also cooperated with the police.

Airports treat any bomb-related comment as a full security threat, even if the person claims it was a joke. There is zero tolerance worldwide, and VIA follows the same international aviation security standards.

However, as airports treat any bomb-related comment as a full security threat, even if the person claims it was a joke, Marzouk was detained on suspicion of intimidation and providing false information.

The Criminal Court remanded him in custody of the police on September 19, citing that such remarks were unacceptable in a high-security environment like an airport. The court also noted that, as a foreign national, there was a risk he might flee if released.

According to the Egyptian government, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had directed the Egyptian embassy in Sri Lanka, holding non-resident representation in the Maldives, to swiftly contact Maldivian authorities to work on releasing Marzouk and providing necessary consular support.

The Foreign Ministry’s consular sector also maintained continuous communication with the Mazrouk’s family to brief them on developments and efforts made to resolve the issue.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and Egyptians Abroad Haddad Abdel-Tawab El-Gohary conducted intensive contacts with the Maldivian Foreign Ministry's consular department director, stressing the importance of ensuring good treatment and swift release.

“These efforts culminated in Maldivian authorities approving his release within bilateral friendly relations,” said the Foreign Ministry, without specifying exactly when he was released.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry added that upon his release, El-Gohary received Marzouk and his family at the headquarters, where the family expressed sincere appreciation for the efforts exerted by the ministry and concerned agencies.

The Foreign Ministry urged Egyptian travelers abroad to comply with local laws and regulations and immediately contact the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate when facing legal problems.