Egypt Releases One Journalist; Two Still in Jail

The BBC reported that journalist Peter Greste–who was in an Egyptian jail for over one year–was released by the Egyptian government. However, two other journalists jailed with Greste–Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed are still imprisoned.

Greste was happy to be released, and was surprised that the government released him. But while he was happy to be able to go home, he was sad that  his two colleagues were still locked up. Speaking on this issue, he is quoted as saying that “”It was a very difficult moment walking out of that prison. Saying goodbye to those guys, not knowing how much longer they would have to put up with this.” He went on to say that “”If it’s right for me to be free then it’s right for all of them to be free…” (BBC, 2015).

The journalists have been held by Egypt (who is currently led by Abdel Fattah el-Sisi after a July 2013 military coup against the Muslim Brotherhood). The Egyptian government claimed that the journalists were helping the Muslim Brotherhood. Then, “In June last year, Mr Fahmy and Mr Greste were sentenced to seven years in prison and Mr Mohamed to 10. Their sentences sparked an international outcry. The three men’s convictions were overturned on 1 January but they remained in custody pending a retrial.”

This is obviously great news that Greste has been released. However, the Egyptian government must also immediately release the other two journalists, as well as students who are also held by the government for what the state sees as their role in helping the Muslim Brotherhood. 

Under el-Sisi, the Egyptian government is continuing its authoritarian actions, and therefore, because of this, we must continue to speak out in support of the journalists and human rights activists in the country. It is clear that el-Sisi is targeting those that he sees as a threat, even those who have not violated any laws. Hopefully additional international outcry will cause the state to release all journalists and all human rights activists.