British man detained for 'patting' guard in Egypt returns to UK
Tony Camoccio 'may not have been freed' without international press attention, campaigners say
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Your support makes all the difference.A British man who was allegedly arrested for patting a male security guard on the back at an Egyptian airport has returned home.
Tony Camoccio, a 51-year-old businessman from London, had been on holiday with his wife and a large group of friends when he was detained on 8 February.
Supporters said he was at Hurghada airport, on the Red Sea coast, when he “gently patted the officers’ back” during a standard search.
Friends feared he would be falsely accused of sexual assault over the incident and said he was kept in “inhuman conditions” in custody.
Following a petition signed by more than 6,000 and widespread media coverage, Mr Camoccio was freed from custody and flew back to the UK on Sunday.
The father-of-four was met at Gatwick by a crowd of family and friends ready to celebrate his return.
“I am tired, very tired,” he told journalists at the airport. “I just want to say thank you to everybody. All of my family are here.”
The Detained In Dubai campaign group said Mr Camoccio had paid approximately £1,000 in bail and related fees.
Chief executive Radha Stirling said the case was "dismissed for lack of evidence".
She added: "While the charges were clearly without merit, we have to emphasise that had British authorities and the international press not paid attention to this case, there is no reason to believe that Tony would be a free man today.
"The dangers of legal abuse in Egypt are severe and, despite their quick resolution of this case, anyone considering travel to the country should be aware of the risks."
Mr Camoccio, who has visited Egypt several times previously, thanked the group, his relatives, lawyers and consular officials for their help.
His family were said to be “absolutely thrilled” to welcome him home.
Additional reporting by PA
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