Al Jazeera cameraman Mohamed Badr, released last week by the Egyptian authorities, has spoken out on the violations he suffered during his arrest and detention.
His comments come on a Global Day of Action to help free the remaining detained Al Jazeera journalists, with events happening in over 30 countries worldwide. Badr talked about the difficulties he endured through his seven-month stay in prison until he was acquitted in the first court session.
“I faced humiliation, threats and rage since the very moment of the arrest, when the officer threatened to kill me when he knew that I was Al Jazeera staff. They took me to some place they call ‘the fire pit’, where I was welcomed with severe beatings,” he recalled.
Badr also showed the attire he used to wear in detention, in addition to some sketches that illustrated the conditions and the most unforgettable moments of his harsh experience.
Dr Mostafa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, said the network is delighted to have Badr back and looks forward to the release of the rest of its journalists - Peter Greste, Abdallah Elshamy, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy.
“Journalists and individuals have been speaking out in their thousands worldwide, not just in support of Al Jazeera, but also because they know that this situation is a threat to (the) freedom of journalists everywhere,” said Dr Souag.
Gehad Khaled, wife of Elshamy - Al Jazeera Arabic’s detained reporter - renewed the call for her husband’s immediate release.
“My husband has been detained for 197 days and he has been on hunger strike for five weeks now because he is detained with no official charge,” she said. “Despite what Abdallah is suffering, his message to all his colleagues is to stick to reporting the truth no matter (what) the consequences (are).”
Mohamed, Fahmy and Greste of Al Jazeera English have been detained since December 29, 2013. Elshamy has been detained without charge since August 14, 2013, and has been on hunger strike in protest since January 21. Page 4

Mohamed Badr showing the attire he used to wear during detention.