Image: A former City Hub contributor and Sydney resident was arrested on charges of inciting protest and vandalism in Egypt on Saturday.
A former City Hub contributor and Sydney resident arrested on charges of inciting protest and vandalism in Egypt on Saturday was released by officials on Tuesday. Austin Mackell was in Mahalla al-Kobra with American student Derek Ludovici and translator Aliya Alwi before they were seized by Egyptian authorities.
The 28-year-old journalist flew to Egypt in 2010 to cover the uprising and remained there to cover the post-revolution. His work in Egypt has featured prominently in The Guardian, Al-Akhbar, Crikey and newmatilda, and he is known for being critical of the the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the group currently ruling Egypt. It has been suggested this was the reason for his arrest.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) was in contact with Mr Mackell and his family while the journalist was in detention. Mr Mackell said he was treated appropriately by local police during the four-day period.
Visit #FreeAustin: http://tinyurl.com/freeaustin to sign a petition in support of his release.
[UPDATE 16/2/12]
Austin Mackell has been released from custody, but is subject to a travel ban that will prevent him from leaving Egypt.
He has told reporters that he heard torture taking place in the room next to the one he was being held in.
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