28-03-2024 11:54 PM Jerusalem Timing

Deported US-Egyptian Activist Relinquishes Nationality

Deported US-Egyptian Activist Relinquishes Nationality

An Egyptian-American jailed in Egypt for nearly two years for involvement in Muslim Brotherhood group has relinquished his Egyptian nationality after being released from prison, and headed for the United States.

Egypt: Deported US-Egyptian Activist Relinquishes NationalityAn Egyptian-American jailed in Egypt for nearly two years for involvement in Muslim Brotherhood group has relinquished his Egyptian nationality after being released from prison, and headed for the United States.

Mohammad Soltan was among thousands detained after president Mohammad Mursi was toppled in 2013 by the military under Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is now president.

An Egyptian court had condemned Soltan's father, Salah, to death.

"By the grace of God, we are incredibly happy to confirm that Mohammad is on his way home after nearly two years in captivity," wrote Soltan's sister Hanaa on Facebook.

"After extensive efforts, the U.S. Government has successfully secured Mohammad's deportation back home to the U.S., mercifully concluding this dark chapter for Mohamed and our family."

The family has run a campaign to free her 27-year-old brother, who had been on hunger strike in detention and has appeared emaciated in photographs. His U.S. citizenship has meant U.S. officials have called for his release, citing concerns about his health.

A court said Mohammad had supported the movement and transmitted false news. His family deny he was a member of the Brotherhood, unlike his father, who was a senior figure in the group.