ISTANBUL

Turkish journalist Metin Turan arrived in Turkey on Wednesday following his release on 9 December after a four-month detention in Egypt's capital Cairo.

Turan, who works for state broadcaster TRT, was detained in August during a bloody police intervention against the supporters of ousted President Mohamed Morsi.

Upon arriving in Istanbul, Turan told his colleagues in Ataturk Airport that it was the prayers of people in Turkey and around the world that saved him.

"We had a bit of trouble when we were being discharged. I got punched by someone among the Baltagiya (regime-backed gangs). If we had not managed to get in the car, worse could have happened," he said. 

"God saved me. I know people in Turkey and all around the world were praying for me. That's where I drew my patience."

Turan, based in Cairo, said he would be back in Egypt in two weeks. "My family is there. I didn't want to interrupt my children's education," he said.

He said there are still Turkish nationals detained in Egypt - a businessman and a student. "I hope they will be released soon," he said.

After the brief interview, Turan left to catch a flight to Izmir to meet his mother. 

Turan was arrested by security forces on August 16, after taking refuge inside Al-Fath Mosque near Ramses Square where he had been covering violent clashes between security forces and protesters. Over 50 people were killed and 270 injured during the protest that day, according to the Egyptian Health Ministry. 

The defendants, including Turan, faced charges of "incitement to violence" and "resisting authorities." Turan was released by an Egyptian court in early December along with 83 other defendants.

englishnews@aa.com.tr