Egyptian authority releases Al Jazeera"s journalist after 400 days in detention

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By Ehi Ekhator, Naija Center News

Egyptian authorities has released one of the Al Jazeera journalists, Peter greste who was imprisoned in Cairo for 400 days.

Al Jazeera journalist in Prison

The remaining two journalists, a producer, Baher Mohamed, and the channel’s Cairo bureau chief, Moohamed Fahmy are still in custody.

Julie Bishop, Australian Foreign Mnister confirmed the release and added that Greste had arrived in Cyprus and was eager to reach his country, Australia.

The journalist who was released unconditionally was accomapnied by his brother, Mike and was said to be in good health.

Meanwhile, the Al Jazeera network has said that the remaining two have to be exonerated and the convictions against them tried in absentia also have to be lifted.

The network vowed not to rest in its campaign to free its journalist in Egypt till all have been released.

 

Mostefa Souag, acting Director General of Al Jazeera Media Network, said, “We’re pleased for Peter and his family that they are to be reunited. It has been an incredible and unjustifiable ordeal for them, and they have coped with incredible dignity. Peter’s integrity is not just intact, but has been further enhanced by the fortitude and sacrifice he has shown for his profession of informing the public. We will not rest until Baher and Mohamed also regain their freedom. The Egyptian authorities have it in their power to finish this properly today, and that is exactly what they must do.”

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Egyptian authority releases Al Jazeera"s journalist after 400 days in detention

Egypt sentences another Al Jazeera journalist to 15 years

In another disturbing move against freedom of speech and independent journalism in Egypt, one of Al Jazeera Arabic’s presenters, Ahmed Mansour, has been sentenced in absentia to 15 years imprisonment by Cairo’s criminal court on the absurd charge of torturing a lawyer in Tahrir Square during the 25 January 2011 revolution.

Ahmed`

This is yet another bizarre and unjust targeting of Al Jazeera journalists, after the sentencing of other Al Jazeera journalists this past year to from seven to ten years imprisonment. Baher Mohamed, Peter Greste, and Mohamed Fahmy remain in prison, while others were tried in absentia.

Al Jazeera spokesperson Osama Saeed says, “This unjust ruling, along with false accusations and criminal charges, is further evidence of the attempt to silence journalists, tarnish their reputations and disrupt their work. Ahmed Mansour himself has been targeted with more than 150 false accusations and complaints against him by the Egyptian authorities, this verdict being just one of them.

“This case is another illustration of how Al Jazeera Media Network is paying the price for its professionalism, after the imprisonment of its journalists from Al Jazeera English, and Abdullah Elshamy, and the shooting of Mohammad Al-Zaki during the dispersal of the Rabaa sit-in. It is a price not only paid by Al Jazeera, but also other journalists from global and Egyptian media. Scores have faced harassment, been arrested, and even lost their lives for the sake of getting the truth to viewers and readers.

“The verdict against Ahmed Mansour – who is followed by millions and has interviewed world and thought leaders – reveals how the Egyptian judicial system is politicised and continues to use its authority to intimidate journalists.

“Al Jazeera remains dedicated and committed to its editorial and professional standards and maintains full confidence in its staff. Despite this baseless ruling, Ahmed Mansour remains one of the most respected journalists in the Arab world.

“Al Jazeera Media Network calls on the Egyptian authorities to refrain from character assassinations against journalists in their attempts to unfairly tarnish reputations. The network renews its demand for all jailed journalists to be released and stands firmly by its colleagues.”

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Egypt sentences another Al Jazeera journalist to 15 years