Greek Cyprus to extradite Egyptian hijacker

Greek Cypriot prosecutors have submitted to court a formal request signed by the nation's justice minister to extradite an Egyptian man who admitted to hijacking an EgyptAir passenger jet in March and diverting it to Greek Cyprus.

The court adjourned proceedings until May 26 after defense lawyer Robertos Brahimis asked to see a declaration his client, Seif Eddin Mustafa, 59, handed authorities during the hijacking. Brahimis also said his client believes his rights of freedom of expression were breached when police manhandled him before the court appearance Friday and forced him to remove a T-shirt that read, "Victory for January 25, 2011, No to the army 30 July 2013."

The statement refers to the popular uprising against Egypt's former president Hosni Mubarak and the army's overthrow of Mubarak's successor, Mohammed Morsi. Mostafa will fight his extradition on the grounds he will not receive a fair trial in Egypt, arguing he could be tortured or face the death penalty if sent back. Greek Cypriot authorities have said they have written assurances from Cairo that Mostafa will not face the death penalty when he stands trial in Egypt. However, Mostafa's request for asylum has been refused as Greek Cypriot authorities deem him a 'perpetrator of serious crimes'.