Canadians held without charge in Egypt leave the country

TORONTO – Two Canadians who were barred from leaving Egypt following several weeks of imprisonment without charge are on their way home.

Filmmaker John Greyson and physician Tarek Loubani said in a statement they that left Cairo on a flight Friday morning and are expected in Canada Friday night.

Egypt lifted a travel ban for the two on Thursday. The pair weren't allowed to board a plane last weekend after they were released from jail.

Greyson and Loubani had held without charges since Aug. 15, when they were arrested while observing a demonstration in support of ousted President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo in which the Canadians said they saw at least 50 protesters killed.

Lynne Yelich, a junior minister responsible for consular affairs, thanked the Egyptian government for "its considerable assistance."