Egyptian lawyer released after 100 days detention without charge

Egyptian human rights lawyer Malek Adly has been released after spending over three months in solitary confinement without charge for criticising President Sisi.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab & agencies

27 August, 2016

Prisoners in Egypt are known to be kept in sub-standard conditions [stock photo-Getty]

An Egyptian human rights lawyer who was detained without charge in solitary confinement for over 100 days has been released.

Malek Adly had defied Egypt's authoritarian ruler Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and was arrested shortly after criticising the president on television.

But on Saturday, Egyptian courts ruled in favour of Malek Adly, who was incarcerated on a rolling series of administrative detention orders.

They also rejected an appeal by prosecutors after a court ordered Adly's release on Thursday.

Adly's supporters said he has been targeted by authorities over a televised interview in which he objected to Sisi's decision to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia in April.

The move sparked protests in Egypt, and some criticism even from Sisi's supporters.