Egypt frees Al Jazeera journalist on 130-day hunger strike

(Image credit: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

last updated 8 January 2015

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