Brother can't confirm Greste to be freed
Andrew Greste says he has had no confirmation of reports his journalist brother Peter will be released from jail in Egypt and deported.
There have been reports out of Egypt that a presidential decree overnight has paved the way for the Australian to return home.
Andrew took to Twitter this morning to say he had not heard anything official from Egypt.
I would welcome the news that@PeterGreste will be deported tomorrow. As yet I have no official confirmation. Rumours, rumours, rumours
— Andrew Greste (@AndyroosteG) January 31, 2015
Until @PeterGreste butt is on a 747 outside of Egyptian airspace the campaign to free him continues. We've been let down before.
— Andrew Greste (@AndyroosteG) January 31, 2015
Australian media widely reported on Sunday morning there were unconfirmed reports from Egypt, a presidential decree was issued in past few hours clearing the way for the Australian journalist to return home.
Translation of #pt: Rumors Peter Greste to be deported to Australia tomorrow after a presidential decree issued few hours ago #FreeAJStaff
— Rowaida Abdelaziz (@Rowaida_Abdel) January 31, 2015
Monday will mark 400 days since the al-Jazeera reporter's arrest and imprisonment, along with two colleagues.
Greste and Canadian-Egyptian journalist Mohammed Fahmy were sentenced to seven years imprisonment, and Egyptian Baher Mohammed received 10 years.
The trio were convicted of fabricating news footage on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, despite no evidence being produced.
Egypt issued a decree in November granting its president the power to deport foreign defendants convicted or accused of crimes.
A presidential pardon for Greste has not been ruled out, and the imprisoned trio has been granted a retrial by Egypt's appeals court.
Morning news break - February 1
