Lawyer in Al-Jazeera trial cross-examines witnesses; accused includes Canadian-Egyptian
CAIRO – A defence lawyer in Egypt’s trial of three journalists and 17 others has cross-examined a witness over his analysis of footage shot by the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera English that the prosecution says undermines national security.
One of the journalists facing trial in the case is a Canadian-Egyptian.
The footage in question wasn’t seen in Monday’s session, but lawyers said it included interviews with politicians and a soccer game.
The prosecution’s claim is that Al-Jazeera footage is edited to exaggerate unrest in Egypt and they accuse al-Jazeera of bias toward Islamist President Mohammed Morsi, ousted by the military in July after mass protests.
The trial has drawn international uproar because the journalists are facing terrorism-related charges.
Only eight defendants, including Canadian-Egyptian Mohamed Fahmy and Australian journalist Peter Greste, were in court. Twelve others are being tried in absentia.
The judge adjourned the case for a week.
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