Egypt pardons prominent rights activists amid international pressure

Patrick George Zaki, a student with ties to Italy, was sentenced to 3 years in prison but then pardoned by President el-Sissi.
Mohamed el-Baqer, a lawyer who has represented political prisoners, was also pardoned after a 4 year sentence.
The activists were charged with spreading false information, prompting criticism of Egypt's human rights record.
Italy and other nations urged Egypt to release Zaki, straining relations.
Advocacy groups estimate thousands of political prisoners remain jailed in Egypt.