Egyptian Doctor Released Following Arrest Over Bomb Remark at Maldives Airport

An Egyptian doctor arrested after making a remark about a bomb at Velana International Airport (VIA) has been released following diplomatic discussions between the Maldives and Egypt.

The Maldives Police Service confirmed to MV+ that the doctor was released by Maldivian police following discussions between the two countries.

Dr Peter Semaan Marzouk, a 38-year-old Egyptian physician, was arrested after making a remark concerning explosives during security screening at the airport.

The incident prompted police action as remarks concerning explosives at an airport are treated as security concerns regardless of intent.

According to Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS), Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates engaged with Maldivian authorities following Marzouk’s arrest.

SIS reported that Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty instructed the Egyptian Embassy in Sri Lanka, which is also accredited to the Maldives, to coordinate with Maldivian authorities and provide consular assistance to Marzouk.

SIS also reported that Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Ambassador Haddad Abdel-Tawab El-Gohary held discussions with the Director of the Consular Department at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to SIS, Cairo sought assurances regarding Marzouk’s treatment and requested an expedited resolution to allow him to return to Egypt.

SIS reported that Maldivian authorities subsequently agreed to release Marzouk and close the case, citing the friendly relations between Egypt and the Maldives.

Following his release, Marzouk returned to Egypt, where he and his family were received at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry headquarters in Cairo by El-Gohary, according to SIS.

The family expressed their appreciation to Egyptian officials for their assistance during the case, SIS reported.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry also reminded citizens travelling abroad to comply with local laws and security procedures, particularly at airports and other international transport hubs. It advised Egyptians facing legal difficulties overseas to contact the nearest Egyptian diplomatic mission for consular assistance, according to SIS.