(Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters)— Six years after his overthrow, former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak was freed from detention Friday, dashing the hopes of many who saw Mubarak’s downfall as a sign that Arab leaders could be held accountable for corruption and repression. “Yes, Mubarak has been released today,” Mubarak’s lawyer, Farid El Deeb, said in a brief telephone interview. “I feel a little pain in my heart, but it will not interrupt my day anymore,” said Mona Sief, a well-known activist, referring to Mubarak’s release. Initially, some observers had thought that the Sissi government would not allow Mubarak’s release, fearing a public backlash. Some activists say that Mubarak’s release, while disappointing, will not end their struggle.

Source: Washington Post March 24, 2017 12:45 UTC