Anadolu Agency Reporter Back in Turkey After Detention in Egypt

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One of Anadolu Agency's (AA) four employees detained in Egypt earlier this week has arrived back in Turkey, the agency's director said today (January 17).

Hilmi Balcı said he felt the support of his nation and government while being held in Egypt, expressing his gratitude to the country's president, foreign minister and communications director, as well as AA's Director-General Şenol Kazancı, for their efforts.

CLICK - Egypt's Police Raid Office of Turkey's State-Run Anadolu Agency, Detain Four Employees

"This has come to the best possible result in a short time and I have returned to my motherland," Balcı said.

On Tuesday (January 14) evening, Egyptian police raided the Cairo office of AA and detained four employees, including Balci.

The whereabouts of the remaining three remain unknown, according to the AA.

Turkey and the international community called for the immediate release of the reporters.

Kazancı said he expects the agency's remaining employees will be released soon.

Turkey's political relations with Egypt have remained tense since 2013, when President Mohamed Morsi was ousted in a military coup by General Abdal Fattah al-Sisi. (EKN/VK)