Egypt’s hijacking suspect claims asylum in Cyprus

NICOSIA — Cyprus' interior minister says a man who has admitted hijacking a domestic EgyptAir flight and diverting it to Cyprus is claiming political asylum. Socrates Hasikos told the Associated Press Wednesday that 59-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa's asylum claim will be examined ahead of a request by Egyptian authorities for his extradition. Cyprus' Attorney General Costas Clerides has said that Mustafa is fighting his extradition and has hired a lawyer. Last month's hijacking ended peacefully six hours after Mustafa — described by Cypriot authorities as "psychologically unstable" — forced the Airbus A320 to land in Cyprus' main Larnaca airport by threatening to blow it up with a fake suicide belt. Mustafa was arrested when he stepped off the plane after all 72 passengers and crew were released. Mustafa reportedly argues that he faces the death penalty if sent back to Egypt. Nicosia expects Cairo to state in writing that he will not face the death penalty at a trial in Egypt, local daily Phileleftheros said on Tuesday. Mustafa, currently in police custody, is accused of using a fake suicide belt to seize the Alexandria to Cairo flight on March 29. Cyprus is expected to try to fast-track the extradition process, which could take several weeks. Mustafa is expected to remain in custody until the extradition papers are ready. The Egyptian state prosecutor's office had asked for him to be handed over under a 1996 bilateral extradition treaty. Described by authorities in Cyprus as "psychologically unstable", Mustafa has said he acted out of desperation to see his Cypriot ex-wife and children. Cypriot prosecutors said he faced possible charges of hijacking, kidnapping, reckless and threatening behavior and breaches of anti-terror legislation. Police said Mustafa gave a voluntary statement admitting to the hijacking. Mustafa’s ex-wife has been quoted by Cypriot media as describing their five years of marriage as a "black period" in her life. — Agencies