Relatives of journalist held in Egypt focusing on deportation

CANBERRA, Australia - Brothers of an Australian Al-Jazeera English journalist held in Egypt for more than a year say their lawyers are focusing on deportation at President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's command as their best option.

An Egyptian appeals court on Thursday ordered the retrial of three Al-Jazeera English journalists including Peter Greste held on terror-related charges, a ruling their lawyers hoped was a step toward resolving a case that brought a storm of international criticism on Egypt's government.

Greste's brothers Michael and Andrew held a press conference in their hometown of Brisbane on Friday and said the family's hopes were pinned on a presidential decree made in November that created a deportation option for bringing the 49-year-old home.

Michael Greste says the case for deportation was made stronger by Thursday's ruling.