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Brief footage of @PeterGreste shown covering a street protest #FreeAJStaff pic.twitter.com/lLBA4NXYcQ
— Sharif Kouddous (@sharifkouddous) April 22, 2014
Footage presented included Peter Greste documenting a street demonstration, although it was unclear if it was filmed in Egypt. Footage produced by Mohamed Fahmy was also played, which drew audible protests from the defendants’ cage, as Fahmy claimed that the footage belonged to Al Jazeera and he cannot be held responsible for what interviewees say on tape. One journalist observing the proceedings reported that “the video clips shown in the court were just standard TV footage that any journalist would have shot.”
In a move that seems to exemplify Egypt’s attitude towards the press, journalists were abruptly ejected from the courtroom after asking the defendants questions during the recess; something that had been permitted at every previous hearing. The court was also intent on preventing journalists from photographing the defendants in the cage, images that have thus far incited broad public censure on Twitter.
Lawyer Osama El Mahdy writing a request to judge to let journalists and myself back into the court room #AJtrial pic.twitter.com/urFBd3XRd8
— Mohamed Lotfy (@mlotfy81) April 22, 2014
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird met with his Egyptian counterpart during a visit to the country on April 17, where he raised concerns regarding Mohamed Fahmy’s medical treatment, and emphasized the importance of a fair and expeditious trial. Minister Baird also met with Fahmy’s family the following day. In response to a letter from CJFE requesting that Minister Baird advocate for Fahmy during his trip to Egypt, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular Services) Lynne Yelich has told CJFE that “the Government of Canada continues to call on the Egyptian government to protect and promote the rights of journalists, and the aspiration of all Egyptians to build a fully democratic country.”
Bail was once again denied, and the judge ordered further treatment for Fahmy’s shoulder injury as well as the translation of English video and audio recordings into Arabic. The trial has been adjourned to May 3, which also marks World Press Freedom Day. The bitter irony of this choice was not lost on many covering the proceedings.
Meanwhile, April 21 marked 250 days in jail for Al Jazeera Arabic’s Abdullah Al Shami. He has been held without charge since August 2013.
Fahmy, Greste and Mohamed have been imprisoned since December 29, 2013. Al Jazeera continues to reject all the charges leveled against its staff. CJFE continues to advocate for their release. Lend your voice to the movement to #FreeAJstaff and be sure to check our timeline to keep up with the latest developments.
Alexandra Zakreski is CJFE's International Programs Assistant.
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