Al Jazeera Media Network has denounced an Egyptian court’s order yesterday to again extend journalist Mahmoud Hussein’s detention by 45 days and demanded his unconditional release.
Hussein has been detained by the Egyptian authorities since December 2016 after arriving in Cairo for a family vacation.
The Egyptian authorities accuse Hussein of fabricated allegations of “disseminating false news and receiving monetary funds from foreign authorities in order to defame the state’s reputation”, Al Jazeera has said in a statement.
“Al Jazeera Media Network rejects all the baseless allegations against Hussein, and condemns the unfair detention, in addition to obtaining false confessions by force. The network holds the Egyptian authorities responsible for Hussein’s safety and well-being,” the statement noted.
The network also reaffirmed its stand on supporting its journalists and employees, as well as its commitment to its mission and code of ethics. “It is committed to deliver the full and intact truth and to broadcast professional and objective news coverage from Egypt and the world.
Additionally, the network condemns arresting and harassing journalists for simply doing their professional work,” the statement added.
The network has called for taking all necessary measures to issue an international declaration that would protect journalists and their rights.