Egypt refers Al-Jazeera journalists to trial

Egypt's chief prosecutor has referred 20 journalists from the Al-Jazeera TV network, including four foreigners, to trial on charges of joining or assisting a terrorist group and spreading false news that endangers national security.

The prosecutor's office today said 16 Egyptians in the case are accused of joining a terrorist group, while the foreigners an Australian, a Dutch citizen, and two Britons are accused of helping to promote false news benefiting the terrorist group.

It is the first instance of terror-related charges against journalists and foreigners since the government declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation in December. The statement said eight are currently in detention.

Egypt's government accuses the Qatar-based broadcaster of bias in favour of the Brotherhood. Al-Jazeera denies the charges, demanding its reporters be freed.