British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has been released from prison in Egypt after serving six years for sharing a Facebook post, following a pardon by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

His release came after sustained lobbying by the UK government and pressure from Egypt’s human rights council.

Abd el-Fattah, a prominent figure of the Arab Spring, was convicted of spreading false news but widely seen as a political prisoner.

His family, who campaigned tirelessly for his freedom, celebrated his return home in Cairo, The Guardian has reported.

Amnesty International called the pardon long overdue, while UK leaders welcomed the decision as a step forward in relations with Egypt.