This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-27988754

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Egypt trial: Journalists to protest over al-Jazeera trio Egypt trial: Journalists to protest over al-Jazeera trio
(about 1 hour later)
Hundreds of journalists are due to gather in London to protest against the seven-year jail terms given to three al-Jazeera journalists in Egypt.Hundreds of journalists are due to gather in London to protest against the seven-year jail terms given to three al-Jazeera journalists in Egypt.
On Monday a court in Cairo found Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed guilty of spreading false news.On Monday a court in Cairo found Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed guilty of spreading false news.
The trio had denied the charges and are expected to appeal.The trio had denied the charges and are expected to appeal.
The father of Peter Greste - who is Australian - told reporters in Brisbane that the family was "devastated" and "shocked" by the verdict.The father of Peter Greste - who is Australian - told reporters in Brisbane that the family was "devastated" and "shocked" by the verdict.
"This is a very dark time, not only for our family but for journalism generally," Juris Greste said. "This is a very dark time, not only for our family but for journalism generally," Juris Greste said, describing the ruling as a "slap in the face" to "all fair-minded people around the world".
"Journalism is not a crime, or you should all be behind bars,'' he added.
But Mr Greste's parents were reluctant to criticise the Egyptian judicial system, reports the BBC's Jon Donnison in Sydney, aware that might hinder the ongoing diplomatic efforts to put pressure on the Egyptian government.
Hopes are now pinned on the possibility of a pardon from Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, our correspondent says.
'Vindictive'
BBC staff will be joined by colleagues from other news organisations to hold a one minute silent protest outside New Broadcasting House in London.BBC staff will be joined by colleagues from other news organisations to hold a one minute silent protest outside New Broadcasting House in London.
The protest will take place at 09:41 BST (08:41 GMT), the time of Monday's sentencing.The protest will take place at 09:41 BST (08:41 GMT), the time of Monday's sentencing.
The jail terms handed out to the three journalists accused of supporting Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood led to an international outcry.The jail terms handed out to the three journalists accused of supporting Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood led to an international outcry.
The White House said that jailing journalists because their reporting did not fit the government "narrative" was "a blow to democratic progress in Egypt".The White House said that jailing journalists because their reporting did not fit the government "narrative" was "a blow to democratic progress in Egypt".
US Secretary of State John Kerry described the sentences as "chilling and draconian". BBC Director of News James Harding said the BBC, alongside other news organisations, would be submitting a letter to the Egyptian president asking him to address "this injustice".
'An injustice'
James Harding, the BBC's Director of News and Current Affairs, said it was an "act of intimidation against all journalists."
He said the BBC, alongside other broadcasters and news organisations, would be submitting a letter to President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi asking him to address "this injustice".
The BBC's Bethany Bell in Cairo says that while the case has been condemned around the world, it has been presented differently by the Egyptian media.The BBC's Bethany Bell in Cairo says that while the case has been condemned around the world, it has been presented differently by the Egyptian media.
Al-Jazeera, which is based in Qatar, was banned from operating inside Egypt after being accused of broadcasting reports sympathetic to former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Al-Jazeera has consistently denied the allegations.Al-Jazeera, which is based in Qatar, was banned from operating inside Egypt after being accused of broadcasting reports sympathetic to former President Mohammed Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. Al-Jazeera has consistently denied the allegations.
Human rights group Amnesty said the trial was a "vindictive farce" and part of the "ongoing row" between Egypt and Qatar, which backs the Muslim Brotherhood.Human rights group Amnesty said the trial was a "vindictive farce" and part of the "ongoing row" between Egypt and Qatar, which backs the Muslim Brotherhood.
Philip Luther, the group's Middle East and North Africa director, said it was "a dark day for media freedom in Egypt, when journalists are being locked up and branded criminals or 'terrorists' simply for doing their job."
Eleven defendants tried in absentia, including three foreign journalists, received 10-year sentences. Two of the journalists convicted in absentia are British.Eleven defendants tried in absentia, including three foreign journalists, received 10-year sentences. Two of the journalists convicted in absentia are British.
In a statement, al-Jazeera English's managing director Al Anstey said the sentence "defies logic, sense, and any semblance of justice".In a statement, al-Jazeera English's managing director Al Anstey said the sentence "defies logic, sense, and any semblance of justice".