Egypt Frees Two Al Jazeera English Journalists on Bail
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Amina Ismail/MCT via Getty Images(CAIRO) — Cheers erupted in a Cairo courtroom Thursday when a judge announced bail for the two Al Jazeera English journalists still imprisoned following the deportation two weeks ago of their Australian colleague, Peter Greste.
After 411 days behind bars, the Doha, Qatar-based channel’s Egyptian cameraman, Baher Mohamed, and Canadian bureau chief, Mohamed Fahmy, are expected to spend Friday night at home with their families.
I AM FREE
— Baher Ghorab (@Bahrooz) February 12, 2015
In a statement, an Al Jazeera English spokesman cautiously welcomed the decision: “Bail is a small step in the right direction, and allows Baher and Mohamed to spend time with their families after 411 days apart. The focus though is still on the court reaching the correct verdict at the next hearing by dismissing this absurd case and releasing both these fine journalists unconditionally.”
Following the trial on Twitter all morning, Greste responded with jubilation:
@Bahrooz CONGRATULATIONS BAHER!!! I’M CELEBRATING WITH YOU BROTHER
— Peter Greste (@PeterGreste) February 12, 2015
CONGRATULATIONS TO @Bahrooz & @MFFahmy11 This is a huge step forward. Not time to declare it over, but at least you get to go home!
— Peter Greste (@PeterGreste) February 12, 2015
Judge Hassan Farid set bail at 250,000 Egyptian pounds, or $32,765, but because of the legal process it was unclear when Fahmy and Mohamed would actually be released. The two journalists have been ordered not to leave their houses until the next hearing, which is slated for Feb. 23.
Along with Greste, the three journalists were arrested together in December 2013, accused of spreading “false news” and colluding with the Muslim Brotherhood, among other charges. All three received sentences between seven and 10 years and have repeatedly denied the charges.
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