The Canadian journalist who is awaiting retrial in Egypt says his lawyers have indicated that some terrorism-related charges may be dropped.
Mohamed Fahmy, who spent more than a year in a Cairo prison, is returning to court in late April to face terrorism-related charges along with his Al Jazeera colleague, Baher Mohamed.
Fahmy is currently out on bail but remains in legal limbo as he awaits retrial and the chance to come home to Canada.
In an interview from Egypt, Fahmy told CTV’s News Channel Monday that he has recently met with both the Al Jazeera-appointed lawyer defending Baher Mohamed, and a lawyer that he’s hired independently.
“They seem to both agree that we have great chances of having the terrorism charges dropped, the charges of fabricating news dropped,” Fahmy said.
However, Fahmy said a “minor issue” may complicate the process. He said at the last hearing, “prosecutors submitted documents that indicated that Al Jazeera did not have the proper broadcast licences, which the journalist says is considered a misdemeanor that could mean a fine, jail time or both.
“We have spent already a year and three months behind bars so, we really hope if (the judge) does find us guilty for that charge, he is satisfied with the time served,” Fahmy said.
He’s hoping to have the 17-month ordeal resolved before the Egyptian judicial community goes on hiatus in July and August.
“We are hoping that we get a final verdict before that, so our case is not prolonged,” Fahmy said.
In the meantime, Fahmy says he “is still not able” to obtain a Canadian passport while he remains in Egypt.
Fahmy's original passport was seized by Egyptian authorities when he was arrested in December 2013. It has never been recovered.
He said he contacted the Canadian ambassador in Egypt on Sunday, asking him to resolve the matter.
“I can’t get married without the passport, I have no proof of identity and I could get arrested if I’m stopped by the police,” Fahmy said.
He said he’s also in communication with the Canadian government in Ottawa to explain that the Egyptian judge himself has no restrictions with him obtaining a Canadian passport.
