Muted response from Egypt's Journalist Syndicate over Al Jazeera verdict

Syndicate board says it won't comment on jail sentences to three Al Jazeera journalists, but hints that appeals court might offer different ruling

MENA, Ahram Online ,

The board of Egypt's Journalists Syndicate issued a statement on Monday regarding the sentencing of three Al-Jazeera journalists to seven to 10 years in a maximum security prison, state news agency MENA reported.

The board said it respects the principle of not commenting on the judiciary's verdicts, adding that the verdict is not final and can still be appealed in the Court of Cassation.

The statement seemed hopeful, though, stating that all the principles set down by the Court of Cassation show that it favours and emphasises freedom of the press, expression and opinion.

The statement also added that Egypt's constitution affirms the independence of the media and press and guarantees the protection of journalists and media personnel while doing their jobs.

The syndicate's statement comes amid widespread condemnation and outright criticism of the verdict.

US Secretary of State John Kerry described the verdict as "chilling and draconian", while UN human rights chief Navi Pillay accused Egypt of "crushing the media".

Three defendants, Australian Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Mohamed Fahmy and producer Baher Mohamed, were given seven years in prison.

In addition to his seven-year sentence, Mohamed was handed an extra three-year term as well as a LE5,000 fine for possessing ammunition.

Four other defendants were sentenced to seven years in jail while two – including the son of prominent Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohamed El-Beltagy – were acquitted.

According to judicial sources, nine of the 20 defendants are in custody, while the 11 co-defendants who are being tried in absentia received 10-year terms each.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/0/104574/Egypt/0/Muted-response-from-Egypts-Journalist-Syndicate-ov.aspx