The Egyptian activist who Australian journalist Peter Greste credits with saving his life has been released from prison after spending most of the past 12 years behind bars.

Pro-democracy activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah was released from prison late Monday, Egyptian time, after being granted a presidential pardon, according to his campaign.

Peter Greste on hunger strike to support fellow prisoner Photo shows Peter Greste holds a picture of Alaa Abd El-Fattah while standing next to Laila Soueif who holds a sign reading "#Free Alaa".

Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the man who helped Peter Greste through his darkest days, is still in prison in Cairo despite being due for release last year. Now, the Australian journalist has joined the Egyptian's mother on a hunger strike.

He and five other prisoner

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