Egypt releases jailed opposition leader

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CAIRO, Egypt (CNN) -- Egypt on Wednesday released the head of the Ghad Party, Ayman Nour, who was jailed more than three years ago despite widespread objections, including from the United States.

Nour reacts after being convicted in December 2005.

Nour reacts after being convicted in December 2005.

Nour was released along with eight other dissidents for health reasons, according to a Ghad party member and Egyptian state-run television.

Nour, who suffers from type 1 diabetes, placed second to President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt's first contested presidential race in September 2005.

In previous elections, Mubarak was the sole candidate nominated by parliament, and voters could only cast yes or no ballots.

Months after the election, Nour was sentenced to a five-year prison term for a forgery conviction -- a move seen by his supporters as political persecution

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