Al-Jazeera chief in Cairo released

The Egyptian Public Prosecution has decided to release Al-Jazeera head office in Cairo journalist Abdul-Fattah Fayed after two days of detention and investigation.

Fayed was detained after officers of the interior ministry stormed the Al-Jazeera offices damaging and confiscating equipment. The act was widely criticised by human rights organisations, including the Arab Organisation for Human Rights in London.

The Public Prosecution decided to release Fayed on a bail of 1,000 Egyptian pounds (£1,000). He was investigated over charges of spoiling the public mood, endangering the safety of society and provocation.

This is the second time that Egyptian security forces have stormed Al-Jazeera’s offices; the first time they were stormed was last Wednesday. Egyptian security officers damaged and confiscated cameras and production equipment.

They also detained the head of Al-Jazeera, Mubasher Misr Ayman Jab, and studio engineer, Ahmed Hassan, who were released two days after their arrest.

The Al-Jazeera network has thanked media outlets and human right organisations which have supported it and its journalists. It also asserted that it will continue with its editorial policy which it is based on 17 years of experience from the date of its initial launch.

The Arab Committee for the Defence of Journalists criticised Fayed’s investigation as well as the practices of the Egyptian authorities with regard to the mass media.

Several Egyptian parties have criticised practices used against mass media, including the Strong Egypt and Sixth of April Party.