Local Rally planned in support of Dr. Tarek Loubani

Our concern continues for Dr. Tarek Loubani, of the division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who has been imprisoned in Cairo since August 16, 2013, without being charged.

This week, we learned through the media, that Dr. Loubani and Professor John Greyson of York University, who was arrested with him, have begun a hunger-strike in protest to their continued detainment.

Family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Loubani and Professor Greyson are organizing two rallies on Tuesday, September 24 to publicly urge for their release. One rally is planned to take place in London at Victoria Park at 1:00 pm and the other in Montreal at the Egyptian embassy. While the School does not officially endorse the rallies, we understand that many faculty and staff will be interested in attending locally or in showing their support in other ways. Students are expected to attend classes and patient sessions as usual. In the coming days, we will make available to students postcards to "lick and send" to the Canadian Government to demonstrate support.

For details on the rally, including transportation from Victoria Hospital, visit the London Emergency Medicine website, emlondon.ca/, or contact Amit Shah at amit.shah@me.com or Andrew Jones at jonesmd@gmail.com.

Western University, through the President's Office has written letters to the Egyptian embassy to urge Egyptian authorities for the immediate release of Dr. Loubani and Professor Greyson. The University has also liaised with local Members of Parliament, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs to encourage and thank them for their continuing efforts to advocate for the safe and timely release of our academic colleagues. The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry fully supports the words and actions of President Chakma.