Peter Greste: Egypt Ambassador Concedes Many See Case As Backward Step

Egypt’s ambassador to Australia says he would love to see jailed Australian journalist Peter Greste reunited with his family, and acknowledged many consider the handling of the case as a sign his country is moving backwards.

But Doctor Hassan El-Laithy has continued to defend Egypt’s legal system and the jailing of Greste and his two Al Jazeera colleagues.

“The word right or wrong is not applicable, I would have loved to see Peter Geste reunited with his family,” he told 666 ABC Canberra.

“It’s not about my wish, or our wish. It’s about when the rule of law is the case.”

During an interview to promote Egypt’s National Day, Dr El-Laithy was asked whether the case showed his country was moving backward, not forward.

“I do agree that many people have interpreted the case in this way. I hope it is not the case at all,” he said.

“I hope it is only a phase that will be passed in the near future in a positive way. I can see encouragement to that direction.”

Source : abc.net