Verdict of Al-Jazeera Journalists Trial set for June 23

An Egyptian court said Monday it will issue a verdict on June 23 in the trial of Al-Jazeera journalists accused of aiding the blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood.

Australian Peter Greste and two other reporters working for Qatar-based Al-Jazeera English are among the 20 accused, in a trial that has triggered international outrage amid fears of growing media restrictions in Egypt.

Egyptian prosecutors have demanded the maximum penalty of 15-25 years in jail for all defendants.

Of those on trial, 16 are Egyptians charged with joining the Brotherhood, which, in the wake of the army’s ouster last July of elected president Mohamed Morsi, has been designated a “terrorist” organisation.

Four foreigners including Greste are charged with “spreading false news” and collaborating with and assisting the Egyptian defendants in their crimes by providing media material, as well as editing and publishing it.

Nine of the 20 defendants are in detention, with the others being tried in absentia, including three foreign reporters who are abroad.

The trial began on February 20.