Skip to main content

Al-Jazeera journalist freed from Egyptian prison

AL-JAZEERA Arabic service journalist Abdullah Elshamy walked free from an Egyptian prison on Tuesday.

Mr Elshamy had been on hunger strike for more than four months to protest against his prolonged detention without charges by Egypt’s military government.

His wife, mother and brothers met him with hugs and cheers as he walked out of a police station in Cairo’s Sadr City district.

Egypt’s prosecutor general had ordered his release, citing “health conditions.”

“I have won,” Mr Elshamy told reporters. “I have lost 99 pounds but I was certain God would make me victorious.”

His detention and the trial of other Al-Jazeera journalists were related to a crackdown on Islamist supporters. 

Egyptian officials accused the news network of supporting ex-president Mohammed Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood. Al-Jazeera denied the allegations.

Mohammed Fahmy and two other Al-Jazeera journalists are still on trial for terrorism-related charges and a verdict is expected on Monday.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 9,899
We need:£ 8,101
12 Days remaining
Donate today