BBC journalist Shaimaa Khalil freed after arrest in Egypt

A journalist working for the BBC has been released after her arrest in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday (1 August).

In a report, the BBC claimed Shaimaa Khalil's arrest came after soldiers tried to clear protesters, although the broadcaster added that the circumstances surrounding her detention "remain unclear".

Following her release the BBC added it is not yet clear whether she faces further action by the authorities.

At the time of her arrest the broadcaster reported that news agency AFP had claimed anyone taking photographs at the time was being targeted.

Prior to her arrest Khalil herself had tweeted: "#Tahrir main ring now.. "careful!" someone just told me.. "they arrest anyone taking photos".

Her colleague Jon Leyne said in an interview with the BBC earlier today that Khalil, a producer at the broadcaster's Cairo bureau, was believed to have been arrested along with more than 80 people, including other journalists.

She was detained for 20 hours at a military base, before being moved and later released.

In a tweet following her release she said she was "really moved" by the support she had been given.

"Released. On my way to @BBC #Cairo bureau . I'm ok. Just a bit tired. Thanks so much for ur support. Really moved."

"We are relieved Shaimaa Khalil has been released and pleased she has been reunited with her colleagues," a spokesman said.

"The BBC is very grateful to all those whose efforts have helped secure her release."

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