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Durham couple to be released from Egyptian prison

A Durham couple imprisoned in Egypt for trying to adopt a child was expected to be released on Friday, family members said.

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Durham couple charged with human trafficking in Egpyt_01
DURHAM, N.C. — A Durham couple imprisoned in Egypt for trying to adopt children was expected to be released on Friday, family members said.

Iris Botros and Louis Andros were arrested in Egypt in December 2008 on charges that they attempted to adopt two infants, which is prohibited under Islamic law.

The couple denied any wrongdoing, but they were convicted in 2009 and sentenced to two years in prison and each ordered to pay $18,000 in fines.

Representatives of the U.S. embassy in Cairo were unable to say whether Botros and Andros had been released.

David Barnette, a friend of the couple and a regular at their Triangle restaurant, said he hopes they return to Durham when they leave Egypt.

"I can't wait to see them," Barnette said. "Once I heard the news, well, I did jump for joy because that's a great blessing, because they have suffered a long time, and it's good to hear that they'll be out."

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