Egyptian activist freed after five years in jail

A leading Egyptian prodemocracy activist has been freed from prison after serving a five-year sentence for inciting and taking part in protests.

The terms of Alaa Abdelfattah’s release require he report to a police station every day for the next five years.

Mr Abdel-fattah rose to prominence with the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings that swept the Middle East and in Egypt toppled long-time president Hosni Mubarak.

To many his imprisonment three years later – at a time when authorities imposed draconian laws banning public gatherings and unauthorised demonstrations – was another sign of Egypt’s return to autocratic rule.

Facebook pages set up in support of Mr Abdel-fattah, including “Free Alaa”, posted videos for him grinning, hugging and shaking hands with friends.