Amy Goodman
@DemocracyNow·3.2M subscribers·19.4K videos
Brother of Jailed Al Jazeera Journalist Abdullah Elshamy Reacts to News of His Release, Poor Health
Posted
June 17, 2014
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2:25Now PlayingIn news from Egypt, the prosecutor general has ordered the release of Al Jazeera Arabic journalist Abdullah Elshamy, citing Elshamy's failing health after 10 months in prison and nearly five months on hunger strike. Elshamy was arrested after covering a crackdown on a sitin by supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi. He was one of 13 people ordered released Monday on medical grounds. His brother, Mohammed Elshamy, spoke to Democracy Now! on Monday after receiving the news.
Mohammed Elshamy: "My brother Abdullah started a hunger strike last January, demanding his freedom or being sent to trial, because he has not been on trial for 10 months. He lost more than 35 kilograms of his weight, and his health was deteriorating for the last month, and he had a blood test that said he had anemia and beginnings of kidney failure. He's in jail since August 2013, and of course him being released after all this time and after going into hunger strike and all the problems he's been through because of the hunger strike, like being transferred to solitary confinement, and him finally to be released in a few hours is an excitement for me, for the whole family, for everyone who knows him or even just heard about his case. It's a wonderful day and time for everyone, and everyone is happy."
Abdullah Elshamy's release papers have reportedly been signed, and he could be out later today. His brother Mohammed also voiced hope his release would help three Al Jazeera English journalists — Peter Greste, Baher Mohamed and Mohammed Fahmy — who remain behind bars following their arrest in December. An Egyptian judge said Monday he will announce the verdict in their case on June 23 — next Monday. Click here to see our full interview with Mohammed Elshamy.
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