Pakistan Press Foundation condemns trial of 20 journalists in Egypt
Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), an independent non-governmental institution committed to promoting and defending freedom of expression is concerned over announcement of Egypt’s Public prosecutor about trial of 20 Al-Jazeera journalists on charges of terrorism and spreading false news.
According to information received from International Press Institute (IPI), PPF Secretary General Owais Aslam Ali in a letter to Interim Prime Minister of Arab Republic of Egypt said, Quote “Egyptian authorities on 30 January, 2014 announced to prosecute 20 Al-Jazeera journalists, out of which, sixteen journalists are Egyptians, who were accused of joining a terrorist organization, while the remaining four are foreigners, accused of spreading false information. The journalists face up to 15 years in prison, if found guilty. As pointed out by IPI, jailing of journalists in connection with their legitimate professional activities is in clear breach of the spirit of the new fundamental law that provides guarantees of press freedom, freedom of publication and independence of the news media”.
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PPF condemns charges against journalists and demands of the Egyptian government to release currently detained journalists and ensure press freedom in the country. PPF also urges the courts to exercise their independent authority and review these cases without giving in to undue political influence.
Pakistan Press Foundation
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