CJFE welcomes release of Peter Greste, calls on Egypt to release remaining detained journalists

Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed remain in Egyptian prison

TORONTO, Feb 2, 2015 /CNW/ - CJFE welcomes the release of Australian journalist Peter Greste from Egyptian prison, but continues to call for the freedom of his Al Jazeera colleagues.

Greste was released from prison yesterday and immediately deported back to Australia. However, his Al Jazeera colleagues Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed remain in detention, after more than 400 days of unjust imprisonment.

"Greste's release is an important step towards justice, but we cannot forget his colleagues Mohamed Fahmy or Baher Mohamed, as well as the other dozens of journalists who remain jailed in Egypt," said CJFE Executive Director Tom Henheffer. "It is time for Egypt to release these, and all, imprisoned journalists and acknowledge that journalism is not a crime."

The three Al Jazeera colleagues were arrested on December 29, 2013. After being found guilty on charges of aiding the banned Muslim Brotherhood and spreading false news, they won their appeal for a retrial on January 1, 2015. Fahmy and Mohamed are currently in detention awaiting a date for their retrial.

For more information about the detention of Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed, and the #FreeAJstaff campaign, visit cjfe.org/freeajstaff.

About CJFE

CJFE monitors, defends and reports on free expression and access to information in Canada and abroad. Rooted in the field of journalism, we promote a free media as essential to a fair and open society. CJFE boldly champions the free expression rights of all people, and encourages and supports individuals and groups in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights. cjfe.org

SOURCE Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

Alexandra Zakreski, CJFE International Programs Coordinator, 647-631-7134, [email protected]