This Article is From Mar 16, 2013

Libyan Embassy in Cairo suspends work

Cairo:  The Libyan Embassy in Cairo says it has suspended work indefinitely after demonstrators burned a Libyan flag at its gate this week to protest the death of an Egyptian Christian imprisoned there.

Saturday's statement by the embassy says it has suspended consular services indefinitely. No further details were given.

Thousands of Egyptians work in neighboring Libya and rely on the embassy to provide work permits.

Tensions flared following the death of a Coptic Christian from Egypt - one of dozens detained in Libya on suspicion of proselytizing in the Muslim country.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry says the man, Ezzat Atallah, likely died of natural causes, but his family alleges he was tortured to death.

Two other detainees who were released told The Associated Press they were tortured in a Libyan jail.

.