/ 22 March 2002

EGYPTIAN CHEESED OFF OVER PRISON FOOD

AN Egyptian imprisoned in Italy has gone on a hunger strike over the mozzarella cheese served at the prison canteen, judicial sources said on Tuesday. They said Mohamed Maruy (44) has launched a formal complaint in a Rome court over being served the cheese, which is made from either cow or buffalo milk and so contravenes his vegetarian regime. Maruy has reportedly lost 22 kilograms and the sources said the court has opened an investigation into his claim that the regular servings of the cheese are violating his rights. – Sapa-AFP