EGYPTIAN journalist Hossam Bahgat was released yesterday, two days after being arrested by the military for “publishing false news aimed at harming national security.”

His lawyer Naser Amin said that Mr Bahgat was released “pending investigation” and had to sign a document stating that he “will abide by legal and security procedures when publishing material pertaining to the armed forces.”

The document also claims he was “not subjected to any moral or physical harm,” which seems unlikely since torture is widespread in Egypt.

Mr Bahgat has campaigned against human rights abuse by both the military-backed government and the Muslim Brotherhood one it overthrew.

The Egyptian authorities regularly use draconian anti-terror laws to crack down on journalists and campaigners.

“The military cannot continue to consider itself above the law and immune from criticism,” said Amnesty International.