Egyptians deported from Kuwait for 'political activism'

Twenty Egyptians who were deported from Kuwait arrived at Cairo airport on Monday afternoon. Kuwaiti authorities deported the Egyptian nationals for alleged "political activism." The 20 Egyptians were arrested last Friday by Kuwaiti authorities at an Islamic New Year celebration, which had been organised by representatives of Egypt's Constitution Party and Popular Current movement. Waiting at Cairo airport to receive the deported Egyptians were presidential aide Ayman Ali, airport police manager General Salah Zeyada, and a delegation of security officials. Kuwaiti authorities, currently dealing with a wave of anti-government protests, say the event violated laws banning large gatherings of a "political nature." Constitution Party founder Mohamed ElBaradei and former presidential candidate Hisham El-Bastawisi have both said they were working with the Egyptian embassy in Kuwait to stop the deportation of the detained Egyptians. From Ahramonline