Google’s Egypt Executive, Wael Ghonim, Should Be Released From Egyptian Custody Now

TechCrunch reported that CNN’s news anchor Hala Gorani tweeted that the Egyptian PM, Ahmed Shafiq said Google’s executive based in Egypt will be released today at 4pm Egyptian time. Being that it is after 4:30pm local time in Egypt, I’d hope he has been released. Although I still do not see any confirmation from Google that he is safe and free.

Wael Ghonim, Google’s Middle East Executive was detained by the Egyptian government last week during the protests. He has not been heard from since his last tweet on January 25th, “Pray for #Egypt. Very worried as it seems that government is planning a war crime tomorrow against people. We are all ready to die.”

According to Sultan Al Qassemi, Wael Ghonim has not yet been released. He also said he might not be released at all today.

Again, there has been no word from Ghonim or Google confirming his release. So we need to wait and see. We do hope Ghonim is doing well and will be released shortly, if not already.

Postscript: Ghonim is free, at least according to a tweet at 4:52pm Egyptian time. “Wael @Ghonim is finally free! #Jan25 #Egypt #Freedom OMG!” But there are many saying he is really not out. Again, we still do not have official confirmation.

Postscript #2: Ghonim tweeted himself at about 8pm local time. He said, “Freedom is a bless that deserves fighting for it.” And Google tweeted, “Huge relief–Wael Ghonim has been released. Our love to him and his family.”