Detained US citizen found dead in Egyptian prison

A US citizen was found dead in an Egypt prison Sunday after he was arrested more than a month ago for breaking curfew, official news agency MENA reported.

James Henry, 55, a retired US army officer, was found dead at Ismailia Awal police station after he reportedly used his belt and shoe laces to hang himself, the report said, according to Xinhua.

The US embassy in Cairo confirmed that Henry died from "an apparent suicide" and they were in contact with the Egyptian authorities.

Henry was arrested by the Egyptian army Aug 28 in Sheikh Zuwaid city bordering Israel for sneaking into North Sinai governorate, a security source said.

The official sources later said the US citizen, carrying some documents, data and maps of Sinai, was detained for violating the curfew hours.

An official from the US embassy visited the prisoner Oct 8 and reported that Henry was in good conditions, MENA said.