CPJ urges Sisi to release all journalists jailed in Egypt

CPJ sent a letter to el-Sisi talking about the “deteriorating climate” for press freedom in his country and, while praising the pardons, called for the release of all the others. “It has been a long ordeal, and we are grateful to President Sissi for exercising his power to pardon the two journalists”, Amal Clooney said in a statement.

He lauded the efforts exerted by army and police personnel to eradicate terror in Sinai. They may not be behind bars, but their families and careers have been affected immeasurably.

Eidul Adha is celebrated by Muslims across the world to honor Ibrahim ‘s willingness to sacrifice his only son Ishmael upon God’s command.

Freed Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy is enjoying life outside of prison, planning for his return to Canada and finally leaving behind a legal saga that had put his life on hold for almost two years.

“This case has taught me that if I got into journalism to make a difference then I’ve learned how journalism really can lead to your freedom”, he said.

Yet, Egypt denies that it is targeting journalists due to their work.

“Egypt is treating political prisoners like hostages to be released only when politically expedient”.

Fahmy and Mohamed, along with their Al Jazeera colleague Peter Greste, were sentenced to three years in prison by an Egyptian court last month on charges of “aiding a terrorist organization”. Yet freelance photographer Mahmoud Abou Zeid, also known as Shawkan, has been imprisoned since August 14, 2013, the same day he covered the dispersal of the sit-in at Raba’a Al-Adawiya in Cairo.

The 41-year-old’s troubles began in December 2013 when he was working as the Cairo bureau chief for Qatar-based satellite news broadcaster Al Jazeera English.

The detention and trial sparked global criticism of Sisi, who has said he wished the journalists had been deported from the outset rather than put on trial. “All those jailed for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, assembly and association or because of their journalistic or human rights work must have their convictions quashed and be immediately and unconditionally released”, said Said Boumedouha, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director at Amnesty global.