We at The New Arab Debates have watched the trial of Al Jazeera journalists in Cairo with mounting concern and were shocked by the verdicts handed down by the judicial authorities on June 23, 2014.
We sincerely hope the sentences will be quashed on appeal and the men released immediately from custody.
Egypt’s prosecution of professional journalists stands in direct contradiction to its declared commitment to free speech and the protection of those who exercise it.
We at the New Arab Debates have suspended all our activities in Egypt until such time as it is possible to hold meaningful dialogue with all sections of society – not just those who support the current government.