FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 file photo, demonstrators hold placards with pictures of Al-Jazeera Arabic network journalist Abdullah Al Shami who along with cameraman Mohamed Badr remain in custody in Egypt, during a protest calling for their release, outside Egypt's embassy in London. Egypt’s chief prosecutor has referred 20 journalists who work for the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera network, including four foreigners, to a criminal trial on charges of joining or assisting a terrorist group and spreading false news that endangers national security. Egypt's interim-backed military government accuses the Qatar-based broadcaster of being biased in favor of the Muslim Brotherhood, which authorities have branded a terrorist organization. Only eight are currently in detention. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis, File)
January 29, 2014 - 4:13 AM
CAIRO - Egypt's chief prosecutor has referred 20 journalists from the Al-Jazeera TV network, including four foreigners, to trial on charges of joining or assisting a terrorist group and spreading false news that endangers national security.
The prosecutor's office Wednesday said 16 Egyptians in the case are accused of joining a terrorist group, while the foreigners — an Australian, a Dutch citizen, and two Britons — are accused of helping to promote false news benefiting the terrorist group.
It is the first instance of terror-related charges against journalists and foreigners since the government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization in December. The statement said eight are currently in detention.
Egypt's government accuses the Qatar-based broadcaster of bias in favour of the Brotherhood. Al-Jazeera denies the charges, demanding its reporters be freed.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014