Google executive released by Egyptian authorities

Google executive Wael Ghonim has been released by Egyptian authorities after he disappeared during mass protests last week.

Ghonim wrote on his Twitter account, “Freedom is a bless that deserves fighting for it”, confirming that he had been released.

Google released its own tweet later on, welcoming Ghonim from captivity.

Ghonim is Google’s marketing manager for the Middle East and had travelled to Egypt when the protests began. However, he disappeared soon after arriving, with many suspecting he had been taken by the secret police.

Egypt’s new vice-president Omar Suleiman is said to have been involved in Ghonim’s release. However, many details of his captivity remain unknown.

Over one thousand Egyptians are said to have been detained during the protests.