Israeli-American Freed in Prisoner Swap

Posted October 27th, 2011 at 9:45 am (UTC-5)
Leave a comment

Egypt is freeing an Israeli-American man detained on charges of spying under a prisoner swap deal with Israel.

Egyptian authorities have taken Ilan Grapel to the Taba border crossing with Israel Thursday. Israel is exchanging 25 Egyptian prisoners, three of whom are minors.

Grapel apparently entered Egypt in January. In June, Egyptian authorities accused him of being an agent for Israel's Mossad. Egypt said Grapel engaged in espionage and incitement activities in connection to the anti-government protests that led to former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's resignation in February.

Israel denied the charges and said Grapel had no ties to Israeli or U.S. intelligence services.

News reports say Grapel will return to the United States after he is freed.