Al Jazeera has expressed disappointment that their three staff on trial in Egypt were not released today. The case was adjourned until 5th March.
The network is asking people worldwide to participate in a global day of action next week on 27th February, to continue applying pressure for the release of the journalists.
Al Anstey, managing director of Al Jazeera English says; “We are deeply disappointed that Mohamed Fahmy, Peter Greste, and Baher Mohamed were not released from prison today. The charges against our staff are baseless, unacceptable, and wholly unjustified.
“What is going on in Egypt right now is a trial of journalism itself, so it is critical that we remain resolute in calling for freedom of speech, for the right for people to know, and for the immediate release of all of Al Jazeera’s journalists in detention in Egypt.
“We truly appreciate the solidarity from journalists and individuals right around the world. The pressure has continued to build since they were taken into custody. We must keep this up, so we ask everyone to contribute to the Global Day of Action on Thursday 27th February. Journalism is not a crime.”
Baher, Fahmy and Grete of Al Jazeera English have been detained since 29th December 2013. Al Jazeera Arabic’s Abdullah Elshamy has been detained without charge since August 14th 2013, and has been on hunger strike in protest for four weeks. The hashtag #FreeAJStaff has been viral worldwide, and institutions including the White House, EU and the UN have called for the release of the journalists, and for press freedoms to be upheld.
