Egypt deports 200 Eritreans

2008-06-13 07:19

Cairo - Security officials say Egypt has deported 200 Eritreans seeking asylum, leaving 650 in the country who will also be sent back.

The human rights group Amnesty International had condemned the deportation, saying the Eritreans would be at risk of torture and other ill-treatment once they return home.

Egyptian security officials said the first batch of 200 Eritreans was sent back on Wednesday but did not know exactly when the remaining 650 would be returned.

Amnesty said in Thursday's statement that 1 400 Eritreans remained in Egypt, and the country was preparing to deport them. The discrepancy in the numbers could not be immediately explained.

Thousands of African sneaked into Egypt every year seeking employment or passage to Israel in search of a better life.

- AP