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| Subject: Regime out of control: 20 journalists face trial on terror charges in Egypt Thu Feb 20, 2014 7:48 pm | |
| Egypt is set to put 20 journalists, including four foreigners, on trial Thursday on terror-related charges in a case with ominous implications for freedom of expression under the military-backed interim government.
Many rights groups describe the case as the latest episode of oppression against journalists criticizing the military and the interim Cabinet in general and those allegedly sympathizing with the Muslim Brotherhood in particular.
Eight of the 20 reporters are currently detained.
The Egyptian defendants are accused of joining the terrorist-designated Muslim Brotherhood, while all of the reporters are charged with falsifying news and broadcasting illegally in order to tarnish Egyptian authorities' image after the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi in July.
Nine of the 20 defendants work for Al Jazeera's Arabic and English broadcasts. A court order banned Al Jazeera's Egyptian affiliate last year. If convicted, defendants could face 15 years in prison.
http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-egypt-journalist-trial-20140220,0,3158524.story |
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