iStock/Thinkstock(CAIRO) — An Egyptian-American activist who was imprisoned in Egypt for nearly two years is on his way back home to the U.S.
Egyptian officials released 27-year-old Mohamed Soltan from prison on Saturday after he had been on hunger strike for over 400 days and imprisoned since August 2013. Soltan, an Ohio State University graduate, was originally arrested when authorities came looking for his father, a prominent Muslim Brotherhood official.
In a statement Saturday, the U.S. State Department said the U.S. welcomed the release of the activist.
“We believe this step brings a conclusion to this case and we are glad Mr. Soltan will now be reunited with his family in the United States,” said an official from the State Department.
Soltan’s family issued their own statement on Facebook, thanking the U.S. government for securing Soltan’s release.
“We are forever indebted to the countless individuals who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure his release, the vast majority of whom have never even met Mohamed. To witness you all – regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, gender, age – come together during this time has been greatly illustrative of the power of the human spirit and we are in awe of each and every one of you,” said a family member.
The family’s statement also said that Soltan’s health was “dire” and he will “receive medical treatment as soon as he arrives on U.S soil.”
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