Outcry after Egypt sentences three journalists to prison
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 23 June 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Outcry after Egypt sentences three journalists to prison, 23 June 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/53b283d61f.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 23, 2014
A court in Cairo has jailed three Al-Jazeera journalists for seven years each for distorting the news and collaborating with the banned Muslim Brotherhood.
Australian Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Muhammad Fadel Fahmy, and producer Baher Muhammad of Al-Jazeera English were among 20 defendants in a trial that has triggered international outrage amid fears of growing media restrictions in Egypt.
The verdict brought international condemnation.
The Qatar-based Al-Jazeera condemned the verdicts against its staff as "unjust."
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott told reporters, "We're obviously shocked, dismayed, really bewildered by the decision of the court in Egypt."
The White House said the rulings were the latest in a series of prosecutions "that are fundamentally incompatible with the basic precepts of human rights and democratic governance."
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "appalled" and his office summoned Egypt's ambassador to protest the verdicts.
Based on reporting by AFP and dpa
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
