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The Freedom of Expression Institute- FXI is appalled by the Egyptian court sentencing of journalists to punitive jail sentences. We condemn this move which is clearly not in touch with the international standard and requirement of a free and unfettered press in a democracy. 

Two Al Jazeera journalists (Peter Greste and Mohamed Fahmys) were sentenced to seven years in prison and a third (Baher Mohamed) to 10 years on charges that included aiding the Muslim Brotherhood and reporting “false news”. Other Al Jazeera journalists, who were tried in absentia, including Sue Turton and Dominic Kane, were sentenced to 10 years.

This draconian sentence has no place in a democratic society and it is an absolute degradation to the principle of freedom of expression and freedom of association. This kind of action is unacceptable particularly from a country whose constitution enshrines the right to free expression and more especially since Egypt as a country is emerging from a popular revolt against dictatorship and repression.

The court’s verdict is a regressive step that will only serve to perpetuate Egypt’s poor      ratings on the international sphere: Egypt is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2014, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2014, and Partly Free in Freedom on the Net 2013.

FXI joins the many voice in condemning the ruling of the Egyptian court as is greatly concerned about the state of press freedom in Egypt.