Egypt releases detainees held by military after Mursi’s decree

Egyptian President Mohammed Mursi had announced that he has pardoned 572 military prisoners who were detained in connection with the 25 January revolution. (Reuters)

Egypt on Monday began to release detainees held by the military following a decree last week by President Mohammed Mursi.

Mursi had announced Thursday night that he has pardoned 572 military prisoners who were detained in connection with the 25 January revolution or protests during the transitional period to mark the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

“Prison authorities have begun releasing the detainees,” a security official told AFP news agency on Monday.

Their release comes on a public holiday marking the 1952 military coup d’etat that ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy in Egypt.

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