University recalls students from Egypt over safety fears after pair detained

A Scottish university has recalled all of its students studying in Egypt amid concerns for their safety after two were detained.

Edinburgh University said two of its students studying in the Egyptian capital of Cairo were detained by authorities.

The pair have since been released but the university has now advised all of its students in the country to return home, citing concerns for their safety.

All nine Edinburgh University students studying in Egypt have now returned.

A spokesman for the university said: “Two of our students in Egypt were recently detained and subsequently released by the Egyptian authorities in Cairo.

“The university is obviously very concerned when it hears of incidents such as this, particularly when they involve our own students.

“We have a responsibility to act in the best interests of our students and to take decisive action when there are concerns for their safety and wellbeing.

“We therefore required all nine of our students in Egypt to leave the country. All students have now left Egypt.”

The students were spread between the American University of Cairo and the city’s International Language Institute, undertaking Arabic degree programmes.

The spokesman added: “We are working closely with the students to minimise the impact of any disruption to their studies and to provide alternative placements.”

Following anti-government protests in Egypt last month, several foreign nationals have been detained, released and deported amid a crackdown by the authorities involving more than 2,900 arrests.