A spokesperson on behalf of the Al Jazeera Media Network has called on the Egyptian authorities to free Abdullah Shami, an Al Jazeera correspondent detained in Egypt.

Egyptian authorities transferred Shami to Abu Zaabal prison on Sunday, extending his detention for a period of fifteen days without due charge. Egyptian media sources confirmed the same day the death of a number of detainees who were being transported to Abu Zaabal prison.

The Al Jazeera Network said it holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for ensuring the life and safety of Abdullah Shami and urged them to speed his immediate release, while enabling journalists to carry out their professional duties of relaying events and accessing information.