[JURIST] Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi [BBC profile] pardoned two Al Jazeera journalists Wednesday who had been sentenced [JURIST report] in late August for releasing video footage that allegedly contained false news in support of the Muslim Brotherhood [BBC backgrounder]. Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, along with nearly 100 other prisoners, were freed from jail [Al Jazeera report] following el-Sisi’s announcement on his Facebook page [official Facebook, in Arabic] stating he issued a resolution that granted amnesty to 100 young people in custody from cases relating to breach of the law during demonstrations and humanitarian cases. The International Federation of Journalists [advocacy website] “cautiously welcom[ed]” news of the pardon [press release], but continues to inquire about the status of other journalists not on the list of released prisoners. Seven more Al Jazeera journalists were not freed in the president’s recent pardon, and Al Jazeera Acting Director Mostefa Souag plans to continue to demand their freedom.

The prosecution and subsequent imprisonment of journalists by the Egyptian government has garnered widespread criticism from governments and rights groups worldwide. In August el-Sisi approved [JURIST report] a 54-article counterterrorism law that has been met with significant controversy, as many believe it infringes on the freedom of the press. Many have said that the law defines [AP report] terrorism broadly and imposes harsh sentences and fines on violators. Al Jazeera reported that some of the fines exceed USD $25,000 and will be levied against journalists who broadcast reports that contradict the government. Al Jazeera argues this crackdown on freedom of the press could effectively dissolve small news agencies in Egypt and deter them from reporting important events for fear of governmental retaliation. Human Rights Watch [advocacy website] criticized [JURIST report] Egypt’s new counterterrorism law saying it infringes on freedom of the press. HRW opposes the fact that the new law gives prosecutors the power to detain suspects without a court order. Also in August Egyptian police arrested [JURIST report] three people under the law for their role in spreading propaganda related to the Islamic State on Facebook.