Drexel student, 2 others face charges in Egypt

GREG PORTER was known at La Salle College High School for his debating prowess, finishing seventh in a national contest one year.

Perhaps today, the Glenside native, now 19, might use his skills to talk himself out of charges brought against him and two other U.S. collegians by the Egyptian authorities.

Porter, a Drexel University sophomore studying at the American University in Cairo, was arrested Monday night during the chaos of the Tahrir Square protests, Drexel announced in a news release.

An Egyptian official said the three students were arrested after being caught allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at security forces from the roof of the university.

American University spokeswoman Morgan Roth could not confirm that account.

Porter; Luke Gates, 21, an Indiana University student from Bloomington, Ind.; and Derrik Sweeney, 19, a Georgetown student from Jefferson City, Mo., were transported yesterday between courthouses in south Cairo and another city, Abeena, where they were detained as of last night, Roth said.

Egyptian television featured the captured trio looking scared and stiff, while holding plastic bottles filled with colored liquid. A hand raises Porter's chin up for the camera.

A U.S. Embassy lawyer was present when the students were questioned by a public prosecutor in south Cairo, Roth said. They had not officially been charged as of last night, she added.

"Drexel administrators are in contact with Porter's parents and are working with authorities at the American University in Cairo and the U.S. Embassy to have Porter released and returned home safely," the university said in its statement.

Chris Carabello, a spokesman for La Salle College High School, said Porter had no attendance or discipline problems while there.

"We were very, very, very, very, very surprised," Carabello said. We're concerned for his safety. Our prayers go out to them."

- Daily News wire services

contributed to this report.