Ind. student’s parents glad Egyptian release near

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The parents of an Indiana University student arrested during an Egyptian protest say they are “extremely happy” to hear that he will soon be released.

Twenty-one-year-old Luke Gates of Bloomington and two other American students studying in Cairo were arrested Sunday and accused of throwing firebombs at security forces fighting with protesters. A court in Egypt ordered their release on Thursday.

Bill and Sharon Gates say in a statement released by IU that their son’s detention has been a difficult situation. They say that while they’re disappointed that he will be held a few more days, they’re confident he will be home soon.

Bill Gates has said he son denies throwing any firebombs during the protest.