Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian national Ahmed Nasser, Deputy Head of the Union of Egyptian Youth Abroad, was released in the United Kingdom just hours after being detained in connection with incidents involving attacks on Egyptian embassies in Europe. His release prompted a wave of public reaction and official diplomatic engagement from Cairo.
In his first statement following his release, Nasser praised the Egyptian government’s swift intervention and declared his faith in the nation’s strength. “Egypt is strong and mighty… Thank God, I’ve just been released,” he said in a video message posted on his personal Facebook page. He also extended his gratitude to the Egyptian state, calling Egypt “the greatest and most honorable country in the world.”
Nasser further expressed optimism that Ahmed Abdelkader, President of the Union of Egyptian Youth Abroad who was also reportedly detained, would be released soon.
Egyptian Government Responds Swiftly
On the diplomatic front, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, engaged directly with top British officials to address the matter.
According to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Dr. Abdel Aaty held a phone call with Jonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Adviser, during which he demanded immediate clarification on the reasons behind Nasser’s detention and the circumstances of his release.
The Egyptian minister emphasized that Egypt takes the safety and rights of its citizens abroad very seriously, adding, “Egypt will not tolerate any threat to the dignity or freedom of its people, wherever they are.”
Dr. Abdel Aaty also instructed the Egyptian Embassy in London to maintain close contact with British authorities, provide all necessary consular support, and closely monitor the ongoing investigation.
Broader Diplomatic Dialogue
The high-level call between Abdel Aaty and Powell also touched on broader topics, including strengthening bilateral relations between Egypt and the United Kingdom. Both sides discussed elevating ties to the level of a strategic partnership, aimed at deepening cooperation across various sectors, including trade, education, and security.
Regional developments were also on the agenda, with particular focus on the situation in the Palestinian territories. Minister Abdel Aaty condemned what he described as “repeated violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli forces,” including attacks on journalists, medical teams, and humanitarian workers. He also raised concerns over recent Israeli military incursions into Ramallah, calling for increased international pressure to de-escalate the situation.
Background and Context
Ahmed Nasser’s brief detention came amid heightened tensions at several Egyptian diplomatic missions in Europe, where protests and attacks have targeted embassies and consulates. Nasser, known for his active role in mobilizing expatriate youth in defense of Egypt’s image abroad, was reportedly involved in efforts to protect diplomatic facilities.
Though UK authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing the reasons for his detention, Nasser’s release coupled with Egypt’s rapid diplomatic response, appears to have defused the immediate tension.
For now, Nasser is back with his community, and Egypt has once again signaled its commitment to defending its nationals overseas, both politically and diplomatically.
