An Egyptian teenager who traveled to the United States to showcase an invention at a science fair has decided to seek asylum, fearing he will be arrested if he returns home.
A lawyer for 17-year-old Abdallah Assem said the high school student is seeking asylum from political persecution.
Assem was arrested last month in Cairo on charges of "illegal protesting" and burning several police vehicles. He denies the charges.
Egyptian authorities released Assem and let him attend last week's Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles to present an invention focused on helping the disabled communicate.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles, which is helping the young inventor apply for asylum, says Assem believes "his future and his life would be jeopardized in his home country."
A lawyer for 17-year-old Abdallah Assem said the high school student is seeking asylum from political persecution.
Assem was arrested last month in Cairo on charges of "illegal protesting" and burning several police vehicles. He denies the charges.
Egyptian authorities released Assem and let him attend last week's Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles to present an invention focused on helping the disabled communicate.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations in Los Angeles, which is helping the young inventor apply for asylum, says Assem believes "his future and his life would be jeopardized in his home country."
