Imprisoned Al Jazeera Journalists Ask Judge for Release

By Jordan Chariton 

al jazeera jailed journalistsThe three Al Jazeera journalists imprisoned in Egypt since the end of last year directly asked the judge to release them today, the Associated Press reports.

The journalists, Peter Greste, Mohammed Fahmy, and Baher Mohammed, strongly denied any ties to terrorism during a plea to the judge.

“The idea that I could have an association with the Muslim Brotherhood is frankly preposterous,” Greste told the judge, Mohammed Nagi Shehata. He added that he was an award-winning journalist with years of experience.

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“I ask for acquittal,” demanded Fahmy, denying accusations that he was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. He told the judge he was an alcohol-drinking liberal who lived abroad for a long time, and added: “Have you ever heard of a (Muslim) terrorist that drinks alcohol?”

The judge did not accept their plea, adjourning the case until April 10.

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