Egypt refers Al Jazeera journalists to trial

16 Egyptians in the case are accused of joining a terrorist group, while 4 foreigners are accused of helping to promote false news benefiting the terrorist group.

By (AP)

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Published: Wed 29 Jan 2014, 6:55 PM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 5:20 AM

Egypt’s chief prosecutor has referred 20 journalists from the Al Jazeera TV network, including four foreigners, to trial on charges of joining or assisting a terrorist group and spreading false news that endangers national security.

The prosecutor’s office on Wednesday said 16 Egyptians in the case are accused of joining a terrorist group, while the foreigners — an Australian, a Dutch citizen, and two Britons — are accused of helping to promote false news benefiting the terrorist group.

It is the first instance of terror-related charges against journalists and foreigners since the government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation in December. The statement said eight are currently in detention.

Egypt’s government accuses the Qatar-based broadcaster of bias in favour of the Brotherhood. Al Jazeera denies the charges, demanding its reporters be freed.



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