Egyptian photojournalist Shawkan was released on Monday after nearly six years in prison for documenting a 2013 crackdown on protests, facing five years of strict supervision and nightly stays at a local police station. The award-winning photographer, whose real name is Mahmoud Abu Zeid, vowed to resume his work despite the restrictions.
Shawkan received UNESCO's World Freedom Prize in 2018 for his "courage, resistance, and commitment to freedom of expression," a recognition that drew condemnation from Egyptian authorities who accused him of "terrorist and criminal acts." Speaking at his Giza home, he described his release as "feeling like flying."
"Imprisonment was an experience I can never forget," the 31-year-old told AFP. "It's bitter but lets one look at life from a different perspective." His mother, Reda Mahrous, expressed concern about his safety, noting, "Journalism is in my son's blood."
The Committee to Protect Journalists urged Egyptian authorities to lift restrictions on Shawkan, who was detained in August 2013 while covering clashes between security forces and supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi. He plans to challenge the conditions through legal channels.
