In a quick step to contain wide criticisms against a Thursday morning court ruling, which remanded in custody Al Dostour newspaper editor in chief, President Morsy issues a decree which annuls preventive detention for journalists in crimes related to publishing.

Yasser Ali, presidential spokesperson, said Editor in Chief Islam Afifi will be released. Afifi is standing trial for charges of spreading false news and insulting the president. His ruling was postponed till 16 September and was detained till then.

The Cairo Criminal Court ruling came as a shock for human rights lawyers, freedom of speech advocates, as well as the Press Syndicate which called for an emergency meeting in response to the developments and said they “will approach the general prosecutor and magistrate”.