Egypt releases Turkish journalist Metin Turan

CAIRO

Egyptian authorities on Monday released Turkish journalist Metin Turan after a court ordered his release – along with 83 other defendants – pending investigation into deadly clashes in August in Cairo's Ramses Square.

Turan was received outside Azbakiya police station by Turkish Chargé d'Affaires Alper Bosuter.

Turan did not make any press statements and headed immediately to the Turkish embassy in Cairo.

A judicial source told Anadolu Agency earlier that the court ruling to release the 84 defendants was final and could not be appealed.

On August 16, clashes erupted outside Cairo's Ramses Square between security forces and protesters angered at the killing two days earlier of hundreds of supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

In the ensuing violence, over 50 people were killed and 270 injured, according to the Egyptian Health Ministry.

Fleeing the violence, dozens of protesters took refuge inside the nearby Al-Fath Mosque, where they remained holed up before finally being rounded up by security forces.

The defendants, including Turan, who works for Turkish state broadcaster TRT, face charges of "incitement to violence" and "resisting authorities."

Turkish journalist freed by Egypt thanks Ankara for support

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Turan praised Turkish government officials for "following up on my case from the beginning until my release."

Turan was freed earlier today after a court ordered his release – along with 83 other defendants – pending investigation into deadly August clashes in Cairo's Ramses Square.

On August 16, clashes erupted outside the square between security forces and protesters angered at the killing two days earlier of hundreds of supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

In the ensuing violence, over 50 people were killed and 270 injured, according to the Egyptian Health Ministry.

Dozens of protesters had taken refuge inside the nearby Al-Fath Mosque, where they remained holed up before finally being rounded up by security forces.

Defendants in the case, including Turan, who works for Turkish state broadcaster TRT, face charges of "incitement to violence" and "resisting authorities."

Turan says he was in Ramses Square to cover the clashes.

"I went to do a news report and ended up becoming the subject of reports myself," he told AA.

englishnews@aa.com.tr