Security sources said on Wednesday that famous Egyptian YouTuber Shady Srour has been released pending investigation into charges of spreading false news and misusing social media after his arrest in December 2019.

Srour also faces charges including aiding a terrorist organisation in achieving its goals, funding terrorism and inciting protests.

Srour, who started his career in 2012 with short comedic videos, is one of Egypt’s most famous and searched for YouTubers.

In early 2019, Srour announced that he had left Islam and was an atheist, but shortly he announced his return to the religion.

In September 2019, Srour, who previously had not been known to have any political affiliation or activity, posted a video criticising President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

Despite his arrest, the YouTuber’s social media accounts have not been closed.