国际英语新闻：Egypt releases detained protestors, political prisoners

CAIRO, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Egypt released 34 political detainees in Cairo and all 16 protestors arrested in North Sinai province on Tuesday amid the massive anti-regime demonstrations that has hit Egypt for two weeks.

All the 16 protestors were handed over to their families after their release, according to North Sinai Governor Abdel Wahab Mabrouk.

The newly appointed Interior Minister Mahmoud Wagdi ordered Tuesday the release of 34 political prisoners, who were among those turning themselves in to the authorities after escaping from custody during the wave of prison-breaks sparked by a state of lawlessness after the massive demonstrations started on January 25.

Thousands of prisoners reportedly escaped from jails amid the nationwide riots in the absence of security forces. Many government buildings and private properties were looted since then, and clashes between protestors and policemen killed over 300 people, according to UN statistics.