Press release

Foreign Secretary welcomes release of journalist Peter Greste

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond welcomes release of Peter Greste but remains concerned about other journalists still in jail in Egypt.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and The Rt Hon Philip Hammond
• Published: 2 February 2015

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:

I welcome the decision by the Egyptian authorities today to release Peter Greste. However, I remain concerned that Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed remain in jail.

It also appears that charges remain against the other journalists convicted in absentia, including British Nationals Dominic Kane and Sue Turton. I call on the Egyptian authorities to review their sentences as a matter of urgency.

We continue to believe that stability and prosperity in Egypt is dependent on open and inclusive politics and on full respect for the rights contained in the Egyptian constitution. I call on the Egyptian government to take further action to ensure the release of other journalists from prison, to release political detainees and to relax restrictions on civil society”.

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Published 2 February 2015