Chemist released

---

Click to view caption

EGYPTIAN chemist Magdi El-Nashar (left) was released on Tuesday after being detained for three weeks for questioning in relation to the 7 July London bombings that left 56 people dead, including the four bombers. Following his release, El-Nashar told the scores of journalists swarmed at his house in the Cairo neighbourhood of Basateen, that although he was casually acquainted with two of the attackers, he had no links to, or knowledge of, the blasts. El-Nashar told reporters that his expertise and education have "nothing to do with explosions or such", but are focussed on the environment, and ways of helping people better use technology.

The chemist's name first surfaced when Britain notified Egypt that they suspected he might have had links with the bombers, three of whom were from Leeds. El-Nashar lived in Leeds and obtained his PhD from Leeds University. Egyptian authorities said they had found no links between El-Nashar and the bombers, the same conclusion reached by British police.

El-Nashar is now free to return to the United Kingdom, or travel to any place he wants. The chemist himself said he had no upcoming travel plans. El-Nashar arrived in Egypt on 30 June for a holiday, and was originally planning to go back to the UK to resume his studies.

The well-regarded academic was born on 27 May 1972. He was a respected figure at three universities -- Cairo, North Carolina State and Leeds. His bachelor's and master's degrees are in chemistry. His stay at Leeds -- where he completed his biochemistry PhD in May of this year -- began in October 2000.

He is divorced with one daughter.