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Egypt Extends Detention of Man Held Over Rainbow Flag

by Associated Press

   CAIRO --

   Egyptian state security prosecutors have extended the pre-trial
   detention of a young man arrested on charges of ``promoting deviance''
   after fans waved rainbow flags at a rock concert last month.

   Lawyer Hoda Nasrallah says Monday that the hearing for her client,
   Ahmed Alaa, took place a day earlier. The case involves another young
   defendant, Sarah Hegazy, whose detention has already been extended
   until Nov. 13.

   The two were arrested shortly after the Sept. 22 concert. Rights
   advocates say some 70 individuals have been caught up in the sweep
   since then.

   Homosexuality is not explicitly prohibited by law in Egypt, although
   gay men are often arrested on other charges.