WATCH: Baird is travelling to Egypt for ongoing discussions and a possible resolution of detained Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy.
The fate of imprisoned Egyptian-Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy could be decided on Thursday when Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird arrives in Cairo.
That’s the day Baird will meet with his Egyptian counterpart Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
Baird’s office is treading lightly in what could be the final hours of the Canadian’s controversial incarceration, in what appears to be an attempt to avoid scuttling any plans for his possible release.
“Canada has been an ardent supporter of Egypt’s efforts to build a stable, inclusive, prosperous and democratic country based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,” Baird said in a statement after he left Canada.
“This trip will be an opportunity to further advance these priorities.”
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Earlier this month, an Egyptian court ordered a retrial for Fahmy and his colleagues, Australian correspondent Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed, an Egyptian producer, but a date has yet to be set.
Last week, The Canadian Press reported that Fahmy’s family expects him to be deported before a new trial takes place.
Sources told The West Block the next few days would be critical for Fahmy’s case, but Baird was cautious in his interview.
Fahmy was given a stiff sentence last summer for allegedly spreading false news and supporting the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.
– with files from The Canadian Press
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