Accessibility links

Breaking News

Egypt: Detained American Hangs Self in Prison


An American man detained in Egypt's Sinai peninsula for six weeks has been found dead in his prison cell, after apparently committing suicide.

Egyptian security officials identified the man as James Henry and said his body was found on Sunday, hanging in the jail in the Suez Canal city of Ismailia.

The U.S. Embassy in Cairo confirmed that a U.S. citizen died from an apparent suicide at the prison and said it was in contact with authorities about the case.

Egyptian police had detained the American in northern Sinai in late August on suspicion of violating a government curfew imposed as part of a crackdown on opposition activity.

Officials said Henry told authorities that he was a retired U.S. military officer and was on his way to Gaza when he was detained in the town of Sheikh Zwayed.

Authorities said prosecutors recently decided to extend Henry's detention by 30 days. They said he used a shoelace and belt to hang himself.

The American is the second foreigner to die in an Egyptian prison in recent weeks. Last month, a French man jailed for allegedly violating a curfew in Cairo was beaten to death by fellow inmates.
XS
SM
MD
LG