An Egyptian court sentenced three Al Jazeera journalists to prison
Saturday in a case sparking sharp criticism from human rights groups.
Mohamed Fahmy, Baher Mohamed, and Peter Greste all received three years
in prison for operating without a press license and broadcasting "fake
news." The new verdict came a year after the men received sentences of
seven to 10 years, which prompted an international outcry and a retrial
order from Egypt's highest appeals court.
Amnesty International condemned the sentences, calling them a "death knell for freedom of expression in Egypt." Philip Luther, the director of Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa program, said: "The fact that two of these journalists are now facing time in jail following two grossly unfair trials makes a mockery of justice in Egypt. Today's verdict must be overturned immediately. Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed should be allowed to walk free without conditions. We consider them to be prisoners of conscience, jailed solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression."
Amnesty International condemned the sentences, calling them a "death knell for freedom of expression in Egypt." Philip Luther, the director of Amnesty's Middle East and North Africa program, said: "The fact that two of these journalists are now facing time in jail following two grossly unfair trials makes a mockery of justice in Egypt. Today's verdict must be overturned immediately. Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed should be allowed to walk free without conditions. We consider them to be prisoners of conscience, jailed solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression."
- "Outrage after Egypt sentences Al-Jazeera reporters to 3 years prison," USA Today, August 29, 2015
- "Egyptian court sentences 3 Al Jazeera journalists to prison," CNN, August 30, 2015
- "Al Jazeera journalists sentenced to three years in jail by Egyptian court," August 29, 2015