Al-Jazeera journalists released from prison pending retrial

CAIRO, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Two Al-Jazeera journalists who spent more than 400 days in an Egyptian prison were released in advance of their retrial.

A judge granted bail to Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed, who have spend 411 days in prison after being found guilty of rendering support to the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. The two will still face a judge in their retrial on the grounds there was no evidence to support the conviction. A third journalist who was convicted with them, Peter Greste, was deported to his native Australia about two weeks ago. The retrial is set for Feb. 23.

"Bail is a small step in the right direction, and allows Baher and Mohamed to spend time with their families after 411 days apart," an Al Jazeera spokesman said. "The focus, though, is still on the court reaching the correct verdict at the next hearing by dismissing this absurd case and releasing both these fine journalists unconditionally."

Fahmy, who has dual citizenship in Egypt and Canada, posted about $ 33,000 in bail. Mohamed, an Egyptian citizen, did not pay bail but is barred from leaving the country.

The three men were arrested in December 2013, accused of airing footage in support of the Muslim Brotherhood. They have denied any ties to the group.