Brother concerned about family imprisoned in Egypt

Iris Botros and Louis Andros, both of Durham, were one of two couples arrested in Egypt in December 2008 on charges that they attempted to adopt two infants, which is prohibited under Islamic law.

They went on trial in May and were sentenced in September to two years in prison.

Botros' brother, Shawn Botros, says it is his understanding that based on Eqyptian sentencing laws that they should have been released in June.

Efforts to find out about their status have been unsuccessful. He says he has contacted the U.S. Embassy in Cairo but hasn't been able to find out any information.

"We need a straight answer. When are these people going to be home, if they're ever going to be home," Botros said. "We need to know."

He says he also hasn't heard from his sister in four months and does not know where she is or how she's doing.

Contacts that Botros has in Egypt recently told him that she has been accused of preaching Christianity in jail and faces an additional five-year prison sentence.

"I am concerned about her life," he said. "I just wish I would be able to see her alive. That's my concern."

Botros, who doesn't believe the couple is guilty of any crime, says he and his family is trying not to lose hope and that they anxious for some kind of closure.

"Have some forgiveness, stop the vengeance," he said. "Let them go. We've suffered enough."