Jail terms of Al-Jazeera reporters condemned

AFP, OTTAWA: Many western countries voiced swift disapproval after an Egyptian court Saturday handed down three-year prison sentences to three Al-Jazeera reporters whom they have long demanded be released.
Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed were in court for the verdict, while Australian journalist Peter Greste—who called the sentences “outrageous”—was tried in absentia after being deported early this year.
The court said they had broadcast “false” news that harmed Egypt.
“Canada is disappointed with Mohamed Fahmy’s conviction today. This decision severely undermines confidence in the rule of law in Egypt,” Lynne Yelich, minister of state for foreign affairs and consular matters, said in a statement.
“The government of Canada continues to call on the Egyptian government to use all tools at its disposal to resolve Mr. Fahmy’s case and allow his immediate return to Canada.”

Jail terms of Al-Jazeera reporters condemned

AFP, OTTAWA: Many western countries voiced swift disapproval after an Egyptian court Saturday handed down three-year prison sentences to three Al-Jazeera reporters whom they have long demanded be released. Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed were in court for the verdict, while Australian journalist Peter Grestewho called the sentences outrageouswas tried in absentia after being deported early this year. The court said they had broadcast false news that harmed Egypt. Canada is disappointed with Mohamed Fahmys conviction today. This decision severely undermines confidence in the rule of law in Egypt, Lynne Yelich, minister of state for foreign affairs and consular matters, said in a statement. The government of Canada continues to call on the Egyptian government to use all tools at its disposal to resolve Mr. Fahmys case and allow his immediate return to Canada.