Al Jazeera Media Network’s staff in Doha and around the world renewed their call on Sunday for the release of their colleague Mahmoud Hussein and all detained journalists. “Hussein completed two years in Egyptian prison without charges, trial or conviction,” according to a statement issued in Doha.
Hussein’s detention is now in violation of both Egyptian and international law, with the former setting 24 months as the maximum period for pre-trial detention. Al Jazeera Media Network’s acting director general, Dr Mostefa Souag, said: “It is deplorable that Mahmoud is completing two years of detention for no crime other than being an Aljazeera journalist travelling to his home country to visit his family and loved ones. The length of his detention is a further testimony that Egypt has turned into lawless country with no respect for journalists, media freedom, human rights or even its own constitution.”
“Hussein worked for Al Jazeera in various journalistic roles from Cairo and later joined Al Jazeera at its headquarters in Doha. His outstanding coverage of the developments in Egypt between 2011-2013 reflected his professionalism and courageous reporting. Hussein always aspired to cover all sides of the story to reflect developments on the ground,” the statement added.
Related Story