Alaa Abdel-Fattah Free; Judge Steps Down

Three of Egypt's most prolific activists finally walked free from prison today. Alaa Abdel-Fattah, Mohamed Abdel-Rahman aka Noubi and Wael Metwally were released on bail of EGP 5,000 each. The trio had been convicted in absentia in June for violating the protest law, and each was given a 15-year prison sentence.

However the use of a private home video during Abdel Fattah's retrial last week caused the judge to step down from the stand today. The police officer behind the use of a clip of Abdel-Fattah's wife dancing at a family party is set to face a full investigation.

Alaa Abdel Fattah was a leading secular figure in the 2011 revolt that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak.

The men began hunger strike in August this year in protest at their convictions.

Abdel-Fattah's lawyer added that Monday's ruling comes "in accordance with the law," charging that the in absentia nature of the first verdict was legally questionable because security forces had prevented Abdel-Fattah from entering the courthouse to attend the trial's proceedings.

In the hours following the news Egyptian activists took to social media to celebrate the victory. Here's just a sample of the joyous comments that followed the news.

Finally some good news, welcome back, Alaa! http://t.co/VQAk9E5Zr2 #freealaa

— Leila Nachawati Rego (@leila_na) September 15, 2014

great news to hear @alaa will be released on bail after judge obejected to the personal videos shown in the last courtroom session #FreeAlaa

— Maha (@MahaElNabawi) September 15, 2014

Finally! the pinky dragon and his companion will be shortly Freeeee @alaa #FreeAlaa

— سارة عثمان (@Sarah_Othmann) September 15, 2014

This is a very special kind of happiness :) #Cairo #freeAlaa

— Eman Hashim (@EmanHashim) September 15, 2014

great news to hear @alaa will be released on bail after judge obejected to the personal videos shown in the last courtroom session #FreeAlaa

— Maha (@MahaElNabawi) September 15, 2014

This sounds like a broken record at this point, but I don't wanna see #FreeAlaa ever again on my TL.

— Ahmed Salem (@TheAhmedSalem) September 15, 2014

Very happy to read Egyptian blogger/activist #Alaa has been released http://t.co/ydZcHnxeev

— Inge Visser (@in_geving) September 15, 2014