Egypt: Journalist Hossam Bahgat released

Egyptian human rights activist and journalist Hossam Bahgat was released yesterday, according to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights which Bahgat founded in 2002.

The 37-year-old was arrested on Sunday morning, charged with “publishing false news” after an article he wrote entitle “A coup busted? The secret military trial of 26 officers for plotting ‘regime change’ with the Brotherhood”. The investigative piece was based on documents and interviews with the parents of the officers who had been allegedly brought to trial. On Monday, the prosecution ordered the continuation of Bahgat’s detention for four days pending investigation.

Bahgat was due to go to court today in a hearing which could have renewed his incarceration for a further four days, however he was released abruptly.

His release came less than 12 hours after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement condemning Bahgat’s arrest. The statement was denounced by Egyptian authorities.