'Grapel denies spy charges to Egyptian investigators'. Israeli accused of being Mossad spy tells authorities his e-mails contained nothing about security

Jerusalem Post staff
Jerusalem Post
06-16-2011
'Grapel denies spy charges to Egyptian investigators'. Israeli accused of being Mossad spy tells authorities his e-mails contained nothing about security
Byline: Jerusalem Post staff
Edition: Daily
Section: News
Type: News

Ilan Grapel, the dual American-Israeli citizen accused by Egyptian authorities of being a spy, denied he ever worked for the Mossad, and told investigators in Cairo that e-mails he had sent to his family did not include sensitive information about Egypt, the Al- Masry al-Youm newspaper reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, Grapel, who was arrested on Sunday, told Egyptian authorities he had sent e-mails to family and friends to reassure them of his safety during the uprising against Hosni Mubarak, and that details he passed on did not include any secrets whatsoever. All the information could be found on the Internet and was broadcast on Egyptian and Arab news channels, Grapel told investigators. He confirmed that he had served in the IDF for two years and three months.
Egyptian prosecutors claim that Grapel sent approximately 20 messages to the Mossad, which included information and pictures about events in the country, the report said.

Israeli officials continued categorically deny that Grapel was ever a spy.

"The allegations against Grapel are ridiculous and the Egyptians know that they are ridiculous," Defense Minister Ehud Barak told Channel 10 yesterday. "I hope he won't be in jail much longer."

Grapel visited Luxor province and collected information on tourist sites in the area, according to the investigators. He also reportedly visited the Jewish community headquarters in Alexandria where he was photographed.

Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram claimed on Wednesday that Grapel was an important element in the Mossad and participated on the front lines of "Israeli aggression on Lebanon."

The report also claimed that Grapel had received advanced training in the Mossad and had sent reports on the security situation in Egypt.

Israeli diplomatic officials in Cairo met with Grapel on Tuesday and said he was in good condition. Israel was continuing to work behind the scenes for his release, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem said.

Earlier on Tuesday, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said his office was in contact with the relevant American and Egyptian officials. While Grapel falls under American jurisdiction because he entered Egypt using his US passport, Israeli officials said they consider themselves responsible to help him.(c) Copyright Jerusalem Post. All rights reserved.

Illustrations/Photos:
Caption: Ilan Grapel

(Copyright 2011 The Jerusalem Post)