– ‘I’m ecstatic’ –
Greste’s parents expressed their joy at his release, with mother Lois telling a press conference in their hometown of Brisbane: “I’m ecstatic. I just can’t say how happy I am about it.”
Greste was resting in Cyprus, and father Juris said it was not clear when he would arrive in Australia.
“He is gathering his thoughts for the trip home,” said Andrew. “He is safe, healthy, very, very happy to be on his way home.”
Andrew expressed relief on Twitter, thanking journalists and others who kept pressure on Egypt.
“Without the worldwide support we could not have got through it. @PeterGreste on his way home,” he tweeted.
Qatar-based Al-Jazeera also vowed to pursue the campaign to free the other two journalists.
“We will not rest until Baher and Mohamed also regain their freedom,” said Mostefa Souag, acting director general of Al-Jazeera Media Network. READ: Egypt president says ‘won’t interfere’ in Jazeera trial.
Fahmy’s relatives expect him to also be deported under a decree passed by Sisi that allows for the transfer of foreigners on trial, but it was not immediately clear when he would be released.
Canada said Greste’s release was “positive” and that it remained “very hopeful” that Fahmy would also be freed soon.
The family of Baher Mohamed has pinned their hopes on a presidential pardon or his acquittal on appeal.
Amnesty International said Greste’s release should not overshadow the ongoing imprisonment of Fahmy and Mohamed.
“All three men are facing trumped up charges and were forced to endure a farcical trial marred by irregularities,” said Amnesty’s Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui.
The Committee to Protect Journalists, a media watchdog, welcomed the release and called on Sisi to pardon and free Fahmy and Mohamed “and the other journalists still behind bars for doing their work”.
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