Site last updated: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

U.S. awaits release of 3 students held in Egypt

PHILADELPHIA — Three American students arrested during a protest in Cairo and ordered released by an Egyptian court are being processed by authorities there, a U.S. Embassy spokeswoman said.

Katharina Gollner-Sweet, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, said that Derrik Sweeney, Luke Gates and Gregory Porter are being processed for their eventual release one day after a court ordered them released from police custody, according to information from Egyptian officials.

“According to the latest information that the Egyptians gave out they were ordered released in the court but they are in an administrative out-processing stage,” Gollner-Sweet said.

The three U.S. college students, who attend the American University in Cairo, were arrested on the roof of a university building near Cairo’s iconic Tahrir Square on Sunday. Officials accused them of throwing firebombs at security forces fighting with protesters.

A court in Egypt ordered the release of the students, a lawyer in Philadelphia confirmed Thursday.

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS