Egyptian hijacking suspect seeking Cyprus asylum

A man who has admitted hijacking a domestic EgyptAir flight and diverting it to Cyprus is claiming political asylum on the island, claiming he is afraid of how he could be treated by Egyptian authorities because of his political beliefs, officials say Wednesday.

Cyprus’ Interior Minister Socrates Hasikos tells The Associated Press that 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa’s asylum claim is being examined while a request by Egyptian authorities for his extradition proceeds.

Mustafa’s lawyer, Robertos Vrahimis, says the asylum claim is grounded in his client’s fears about his possible treatment at the hands of Egyptian authorities.

Vrahimis says Cyprus could extradite Mustafa despite his asylum claim unless authorities grant his request. A court hearing on Mustafa’s extradition proceedings is scheduled for April 22.

— AP