Jailed Al Jazeera journalists in Egypt freed? What you need to know

What we know

Jailed Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste has been freed from prison in Egypt and is being deported to Australia.

Egypt's official news agency said Greste's release followed a presidential "approval" and was coordinated with the Australian embassy in Cairo.

The AP news agency said Greste had boarded a flight to Cyprus.

What is being reported

Al Jazeera bureau chief Mohammed Fahmy, who has dual Egyptian-Canadian nationality, is reportedly also being released, but will have his Egyptian citizenship revoked, meaning he will have to leave the country.

What we don't know

The fate of the third jailed journalist, freelance Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed, is unknown.

What has been said

In a statement, Al Jazeera welcomed the released of Greste but demanded his colleagues be freed as well.

We're pleased for Peter and his family that they are to be reunited. It has been an incredible and unjustifiable ordeal for them, and they have coped with incredible dignity. Peter's integrity is not just intact, but has been further enhanced by the fortitude and sacrifice he has shown for his profession of informing the public.

We will not rest until Baher and Mohamed also regain their freedom. The Egyptian authorities have it in their power to finish this properly today, and that is exactly what they must do.

• Mostefa Souag, acting director general of Al Jazeera Media Network

The background

Egypt sparked international outcry when the three men were arrested at the end of 2013 and jailed six months later on charges including deliberately spreading false information and aiding terrorist groups.

The three journalists said they were just reporting the news, but they were charged after Muslim Brotherhood president Mohammed Morsi was overthrown in a military-backed revolt. Greste and Fahmy were jailed for seven years, while Mohamed was jailed for ten.

Al Jazeera has demanded their release ever since.

More to follow

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