The suspect behind the recent EgyptAir hijacking incident is requesting political asylum in Cyprus. 56-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa claimed he is afraid of how the Egyptian authorities might treat him due to his political beliefs, officials revealed.
Cyprus' Interior Minister Socrates Socrates Hasikos told The Associated Press that they are reviewing Mustafa's request for asylum. He also confirmed receipt of a request by Egyptian authorities for Mustafa's extradition.
According to Mustafa's lawyer, Robertos Vrahimis, the EgyptAir hijacker fears he might suffer unpleasant treatment from Egyptian authorities.
However, Cyprus Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou said Egyptian authorities have given written assurances that Seif Eddin Mustafa will be punished with death penalty and that his case will undergo a fair trial.
Vrahimis added that he has not had further discussion with Mustafa due to an issue with the Cyprus Central Prisons over the employment of an Arabic-speaking translator. Only a translator approved by prison authorities will be permitted entry, which Vrahimis contend would violate attorney-client privilege.
Business Standard reported that a court hearing on extradition proceedings is scheduled for April 22. Denial of the asylum request would effectively extradite Mustafa.
According to CNN, Mustafa seized control of an EgyptAir plane on March 29 that was headed to Cairo from Alexandra, Egypt. Mustafa diverted the plane to Cyprus, where he was later captured.
Mustafa admitted to the EgyptAir hijacking, claiming that he only wanted to talk to his estranged ex-wife, who was onboard the plane. Authorities described Mustafa as "psychologically unstable" at the time of the incident. Although he threated to blow up the plane with a fake suicide belt, the suspect denied any terrorism-relative motive.
Airbus 320 was carrying 70 people, including 55 passengers and 15 crew members.
This is not Mustafa's first run-in with the law. He has a criminal record for forgery, burglary, drug dealing and impersonation.
