Tarek Loubani and John Greyson Free From Prison in Egypt: Official

Doctor Tarek Loubani and Professor John Greyson, who were being held in prison in Egypt. Officials said on Oct. 5, 2013 that they were released. (Screenshot/Amnesty International)

Tarek Loubani and John Greyson have been released from prison in Egypt, according to a Canadian official. 

“Canada welcomes the decision,” said Lynne Yelich, minister of state (Foreign Affairs and Consular), on Saturday evening in a statement. “I look forward to Dr. Loubani and Mr. Greyson being reunited with their families and friends, who have shown tremendous strength during this difficult time.

“Minister Baird and I were in contact with senior Egyptian officials on numerous occasions concerning this case, and the Embassy of Canada to Egypt worked tirelessly to secure their release.”

Officials will work on getting Loubani and Greyson out of Egypt, she said.

“I wish to express our appreciation to the Egyptian authorities for providing consistent consular access,” she said.

The news comes after the pair’s detention was said to have been extended 45 days on Sept. 30.

They had been jailed without charges since Aug. 16.