Sites contained approximately 150 launcher barrels that were ready to fire projectiles toward Israeli territory, it said in a statement
mena9 hours ago
Ottawa - Many western countries voiced swift disapproval after an Egyptian court on Saturday handed down three-year prison sentences to three Al Jazeera reporters whom they have long demanded be released.
Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed were in court for the verdict, while Australian journalist Peter Greste - who called the sentences "outrageous" - was tried in absentia after being deported early this year.
The court said they had broadcast "false" news that harmed Egypt.
"Canada is disappointed with Mohamed Fahmy's conviction today. This decision severely undermines confidence in the rule of law in Egypt," Lynne Yelich, minister of state for foreign affairs and consular matters, said in a statement.
"The government of Canada continues to call on the Egyptian government to use all tools at its disposal to resolve Mr. Fahmy's case and allow his immediate return to Canada."
Yelich noted that Canadian officials have raised the issue with Egypt and "will continue to do so."
Speaking from Australia, Greste encouraged supporters to keep fighting the sentences.
"I can't begin to tell you just how heavily it weighs on me," he said.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was "dismayed" and the United States said it was "deeply disappointed and concerned."
"We urge the government of Egypt to take all available measures to redress this verdict, which undermines the very freedom of expression necessary for stability and development," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
The European Union branded the sentences a "setback for freedom of expression in Egypt."
"We look forward to the appeals process and reiterate our call for the release of the defendants," a statement said.
"These sentences will undermine confidence in Egypt's progress towards strong, long-term stability based on implementing the rights granted by the Egyptian constitution," north Africa minister Tobias Ellwood said in a statement.
The reporters had been retried following an overturn of initial seven-year sentences, and the new decision was a shock given international calls for acquittal.
Western countries have made numerous moves to secure the journalists' release. In January, former Canadian foreign minister John Baird traveled to Egypt in an attempt to return Fahmy to Canada.
Al Jazeera, based in Qatar, has denounced the verdict against the journalists as a "deliberate attack on press freedom."
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists at least 18 journalists are behind bars in Egypt.
Sites contained approximately 150 launcher barrels that were ready to fire projectiles toward Israeli territory, it said in a statement
mena9 hours ago
Crowd control measures have been set up at Apple stores, as staff say walk-ins will not be entertained this year
uae9 hours ago
Polls show Americans remain deeply worried about the economy and inflation
americas9 hours ago
Advisor to the Minister for Maritime Transport Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Hessa Al Malek is steering the sector towards inclusivity and innovation
lifestyle10 hours ago
Existing home sales dropped 2.5% last month from July
realty10 hours ago
The death toll from the storm which struck central and eastern Europe last week rose to 24 and some areas are still under threat from rising waters
world10 hours ago
India, China and Australia remain hold-outs on US demands
economy10 hours ago
The meeting came as divisions grow in Europe over the proposed tariffs
auto10 hours ago