CAIRO, March 31: Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef was released on bail on Sunday after nearly five hours of questioning over alleged insults to the president and religion, highlighting concerns over freedom of expression in post-revolt Egypt.

Mr Youssef, whose weekly programme Albernameg (The Show) has pushed the boundaries of local television with its merciless critique of those in power, was ordered to pay about $2,200 pending investigation into the complaints, judicial sources said.

On Twitter, Mr Youssef confirmed the bail conditions, saying they were for three lawsuits.

On Sunday morning, Mr Youssef continued to challenge the authorities even as he arrived at the prosecutor’s office. He made his way through a throng of cameras and supporters, to pose with an enormous version of a hat worn by President Mohamed Morsi earlier this month when he received an honorary doctorate from a university in Pakistan.

Mr Youssef had worn the hat on his show a week earlier.

The heart surgeon turned comedian took to Twitter during his questioning, at one point saying: “The officers and the prosecution lawyers want to have their photo taken with me. Maybe that’s the reason for my summons.”

The public prosecutor had issued an arrest warrant for Mr Youssef, following several legal complaints against him relating to the material used on the show. He is accused of insulting Morsi by “making fun of his international standing”.—AFP