Egypt refers Al Jazeera journalists to trial

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 on 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 organisation 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.