The family of a Canadian acquitted of charges he faced in the United Arab Emirates says the man has been released from prison after nearly two years behind bars.
Salim Alaradi had been accused of providing supplies to groups in a foreign country without permission of the U.A.E. government and collecting donations without the government’s permission.
READ MORE: Salim Alaradi, Canadian detained in UAE for 2 years, acquitted of all charges
He was found not guilty in the case on Monday, but wasn’t immediately released, prompting his family to appeal to Ottawa to help bring him home.
Alaradi’s family says his local lawyer was told late Tuesday that the man could be picked up from an Abu Dhabi prison.
READ MORE: Salim Alaradi, Canadian detained in UAE for 2 years, expecting to hear verdict this week
They say Alaradi is “currently safe” with his local lawyer and plans to leave the country as early as Wednesday.
The family says it is grateful for Alaradi’s “long overdue freedom” but remains cautions until he is safely out of the country and reunited with his loved ones.