Two Al-Jazeera journalists pardoned, released in Egypt

CAIRO – President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi pardoned and released two Al-Jazeera English journalists Wednesday, ending a case that was widely condemned by human rights groups and had raised questions about Egypt’s commitment to democracy and free speech.

The move to free Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian national Baher Mohammed came days before el-Sissi’s appearance at the U.N. General Assembly, as well as on the eve of a major holiday in Islam, Eid al-Adha.

Also receiving presidential pardons were 100 people, including dozens of human rights activists. Most of them were convicted and imprisoned for breaking a disputed law enacted in 2013 that prohibits unapproved demonstrations. The measure has almost entirely ended street activism in Egypt.

Fahmy and Mohammed were arrested in December 2013 for airing what a court described as “false news” and coverage biased in favor of the Muslim Brotherhood.