Commenting on the release of Al Jazeera journalists Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy, ARTICLE 19 Executive Director Thomas Hughes said:
“We are extremely pleased to hear that Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy have been released, but disappointed to hear the charges against them have not been dropped. Their arrests and sentences, and that of other less-known journalists, are part of a widespread crackdown on freedom of expression in the country.
“We hope the Egyptian government sees sense and drops the charges against these journalists, we also call on the government to release any other journalists who have been arrested for simply doing their job. In addition we believe Egypt should also amend all laws relating to freedom of expression and assembly in line with its commitments to international law.”
Australian Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste was released last week.