Egypt frees activists amid criticism of rights record

Egyptian activist and journalist Esraa Abdel-Fattah

Egyptian activist and journalist Esraa Abdel-Fattah, one of the symbols of the 2011 revolution. She has been freed after nearly 22 months in pre-trial detention. PHOTO | DON EMMERT | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took power in 2014, the former army chief has overseen a sweeping crackdown on dissent.
  • On Wednesday, the United States warned Egypt not to target rights campaigners, saying the issue would be a factor in arms sales to its Arab ally.