News of Australian journalist Peter Greste’s release from a Cairo prison after 400 days behind bars has been met with relief around the world. But questions are now being asked about the fate of the two men jailed with him, Egyptian producer Baher Mohammed and Canadan-Egyptian journalist Mohamed Fahmy.
Greste was arrested in December 2013 and sentenced to seven years in prison. Fahmy and Mohammed were sentenced to seven and ten years in prison, respectively.
All three men have denied accusations they were aiding the Muslim Brotherhood.
Peter Greste was released overnight and is now in Cyprus waiting to fly home to Australia.
But the fate of Mohammed and Fahmy remains unclear.
There has been speculation that Fahmy may be released and deported to Canada, but Mohamed doesn’t hold a foreign passport so his prospects for freedom appear less promising.
Al Jazeera today praised Greste and said it would continue to fight until all three men were freed.
"Peter's integrity is not just intact, but has been further enhanced by the fortitude and sacrifice he has shown for his profession of informing the public," acting director of the Doha-based network, Mostefa Souag, said.
"We will not rest until Baher and Mohamed also regain their freedom."
Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird said in a statement that the Canadian government had been working closely with Egypt to secure the release of Fahmy and was bolstered by today's news.
"We welcome these positive developments," he said.
"We remain very hopeful that Mr Fahmy's case will be resolved shortly."
"Canadian officials continue to work closely with the government of Egypt in this regard and they are providing consular assistance to Mr Fahmy to ensure his wellbeing," he said in today's statement.
News of Greste's release today triggered an outpouring on social media, with many promising to continue their campaign to free Mohammed and Fahmy.
- With AAP
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