A Cairo criminal court has ordered on Sunday the release of journalist and researcher Ismail Alexandrani, detained over charges of joining the now banned Muslim Brotherhood group and spreading false news.
Alexandrani, 32, was arrested at Hurghada Airport upon arrival from Germany in December 2015.
The investigative journalist, who specialises in Sinai affairs, has remained in detention since his arrest.
Later on Sunday, the prosecution appealed the court's decision. The date to hear the appeal has not been set yet.
According to his family, Alexandrani was delivering lectures in Europe about the political situation in Egypt, prior to his return in December.
Since his arrest, several rights groups have condemned Alexandrani's detainment and the charges against him.
