Canadians held without charge in Egypt leave the country

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."