CAIRO: Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman's family prayed the Eid al-Adha prayer outside the headquarters of their sit-in outside the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Abdel Rahman, known as the ‘Blind Sheikh,' is imprisoned in the United States for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings. Abdel Rahman's son Mohamed's sermon today focused on the military trials of civilians, where he asked, “Why Omar Abdel Rahman, as the founder of the Egyptian Revolution?” Mohamed said the prisoner exchange deal that swapped suspected Israeli-American spy Ilan Grapel for Egyptian prisoners in Egypt will not be complete unless the United States also released Abdel Rahman. In a statement to Youm7, Shiekh Abdallah said they will continue in their sit-in until their father is released. Abdallah said their last call with Abdel Rahman was on Thursday and that Abdel Rahman mentioned Grapel's deal during the call. Abdel Rahman's supporters were in Tahrir Square and raised platforms, calling to release him and preacher Wagdy Ghoneim. Arabic here.
