Authorities have released a Christian convert from Islam who had been allegedly jailed without charge for the past two years under the nation’s controversial emergency laws, a Christian news agency reported Thursday, May 24.
Compass Direct News said officials at the Wadi El-Natroun Prison handed Bahaa El-Akkad an Egyptian bill worth nearly LE 50 for a taxi fare late on the afternoon of April 28, telling him he was free to leave.
Within minutes, El-Akkad had gathered up his few belongings and flagged down a taxi outside the prison, located an hour’s drive north of Cairo.
He was reunited with his wife and three children by nightfall, the news agency reported.
No official reason was given for his release, which was reportedly confirmed by his attorney, Athanasius William.
Notification of his release was apparently delayed for security reasons.
