Egyptian authorities have extended the detention of Israeli-American Ilan Grapel, who is being held on allegations of spying for Israel.That last paragraph is questionable, as Egypt's major daily, Al Ahram, continues to push the lie that Grapel is a spy - without bothering with any infidel Western modifiers like "alleged" or "accused."
Grapel will spend 15 more days in detention.
The Egyptian attorney general's office explained that more time was needed in order to continue its investigation into Grapel's activities.
Grapel was arrested in Cairo in June. He has not been indicted.
According to reports in the Arab media, the U.S. has been in contact with Egypt, seeking Grapel's release and departure from Egypt.
An indictment would transfer the case to the court system and start a lengthy legal process. Therefore, efforts are being made for Grapel to be released before he is indicted.
Grapel's story has fallen from the headlines in Egypt as it has become evident that he is probably not the serious spy that he was described as by the Egyptian press when he was arrested.
Its latest article on him, indeed a headline, says categorically that he is a Mossad spy who was "fanning the conflict of the youth revolution and inciting subversion against the police and the army."