Director Omar Zahran has been trending on search engines and social media in recent hours, following reports of his conditional release, which was then suddenly revoked, sending him back to prison—sparking widespread debate.

Zahran’s Family Affirms Commitment to Specific Defense Team

In an official statement published on Facebook, Omar Zahran’s family, represented by his brother Yehia Zakaria Zahran, announced their full authorization of Counselor Mortada Mansour and Counselor Sherif Hafez to lead his defense. They emphasized that no other lawyer or media figure is authorized to intervene in the case.

The statement read:
"We express our full confidence in the integrity of the Egyptian judiciary and police, and confirm that the only authorized defense team consists of Counselor Mortada Mansour and Counselor Sherif Hafez."
Details of the Surprise Release and Subsequent Reversal

Counselor Sherif Hafez, a member of the defense team, explained that the request for conditional release had been submitted weeks earlier and was approved by the relevant authorities after review by the Prisons Authority. Indeed, Omar Zahran was released from the Wadi El-Natroun Correction and Rehabilitation Center and transferred to the 15 May Police Station to complete the formalities.

However, the surprise came, according to Hafez, when a phone call was received instructing that the release be canceled, and Zahran was subsequently returned to custody—despite having served half of his sentence.

Interior Ministry Reviewing Completion of Release

Hafez noted that the matter is now in the hands of the Ministry of Interior and expressed confidence that procedures will soon be finalized to ensure Zahran’s release in accordance with prison regulations.

Appeal Hearing Date Set

Director Omar Zahran has served half of the sentence issued against him for allegedly stealing jewelry belonging to visual artist Shalimar Sharbatly, the wife of director Khaled Youssef. "Release validation" procedures began yesterday, Wednesday, after he completed the portion of the sentence that started last November and is officially set to end on May 21.

The Court of Cassation is scheduled to hear the first session of the appeal against his sentence on June 18, during which the defense team will present their appeal memo, requesting his acquittal and acceptance of the appeal.