Egypt frees Al Jazeera journalist on 130-day hunger strike

Egypt frees Al Jazeera journalist on 130-day hunger strike
(Image credit: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Egypt said Monday it has ordered the release of Al Jazeera journalist Abdullah Elshamy over medical concerns. Elshamy had been on a hunger strike for more than 130 days in protest of his prolonged imprisonment without charge. Last week, a court added another 45 days to his detention despite reports that he was in poor health.

Three other Al Jazeera journalists are still on trial for charges of what the country says is aiding ousted President Mohammed Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, an organization that Egypt has declared a terrorist group. Their detention has prompted a worldwide campaign, #FreeAJStaff, calling for their release. --Jordan Valinsky

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More