In 2013, Aya Hijazi and her husband started a nonprofit to help children in Egypt. 8-months later they found themselves accused of abusing them.
“I think it’s really disheartening,” said Chelsea Cowan, who went to George Mason University with Aya.
Cowan believes Aya is innocent.
“She belonged doing that work. The children and the people she was working with-- they suffer the most.”
Aya, her husband, and several volunteers have been behind bars in Egypt for 900 days and they have still not been granted a trial. More than 28,000 people signed a petition to free Aya. They have also been using the hashtag “#FreeAya” on social media.
“I don’t think [Aya] is someone who is going to be deterred again by challenge,” said Cowan.
According to Aya’s attorney, the Egyptian government has held Aya longer than it is allowed to without a trial.
Monday, State Department officials said they meet with Aya frequently.
“We continue to call for an expeditious resolution to this case and a fair and transparent legal process,” said deputy spokesperson Mark Toner.
But State Department officials did not say if they have a backup plan.
Cowan can still envision Aya being freed.
“I’m really just looking forward to, kind of like, figuring out what she is going to do next,” said Cowan.
Aya is due back in court on Nov. 19.
ABC7 called and e-mailed the Egyptian Embassy for comment, but so far we have not heard back.
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