Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rejected foreign criticism that followed the sentencing of three journalists to seven years or more in maximum security prison. Australian journalist Peter Greste and Canadian-Egyptian Mohammed Fahmy were sentenced on Monday to seven years in prison on charges of defaming Egypt and spreading false news that harms the nation’s interests. Their colleague Baher Mohamed received a 10 year sentence on similar charges. The three journalists and their lawyers denied the charges and are expected to appeal against the verdict. Following the news of their sentencing, Al-Jazeera’s Acting Director-General Mostefa Souag exclaimed his outrage and shock at the verdict. Meanwhile, Al-Jazeera English’s Managing Director Al Anstey called the sentencing illogical. “There is no justification whatsoever in the detention of our three colleagues for even one minute. To have detained them for 177 days is an outrage. To have sentenced them defies logic, sense, and any semblance of justice,” said Al Anstey. “Today three colleagues and friends were sentenced, and will continue behind bars for doing a brilliant job of being great journalists. ‘Guilty’ of covering stories with great skill and integrity. ‘Guilty’ of defending people’s…
International community condemns Egypt’s imprisonment of journalists
June 24, 2014
