Al-Jazeera journalists bag 7 years in prison each over allegations of
false reporting and association with the now outlawed Muslim
Brotherhood. While a 3rd journalist, Baher Mohamed (producer) was given
10 years for same charges and also for being in possession of
ammunition.
The three journalists were arrested in December 2013 after security
forces raided their work suite office in Cairo on charges of 'spreading
false news' and holding meetings with Muslim Brotherhood.
The
journalists had reported on how Egyptian security agencies killed
hundreds of peaceful protesters in sit-ins in Cairo. This was when
Egyptians took to the streets to protest the coup by the army that
removed former Egyptian president, Mohammed Morsi, a member of the
Muslim Brotherhood from power in July 2013 and demanding for his
reinstatement.
The arrest of the three journalist last year raised international
concerns with powerful world leaders including the UN Secretary General,
Ban kin Moon, calling for their release by the Egyptian govt. But
instead of releasing them, they've been found guilty and sentenced.
Six
other Al-Jazeera journalists - Alaa Bayoumi, Anas Abdel-Wahab Khalawi
Hasan, Khaleel Aly Khaleel Bahnasy, Mohamed Fawzi, Dominic Kane, and Sue
Turton were tried in absentia and handed 10 years in prison verdicts.
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