Prosecutors in Egypt renew detention of Al-Jazeera English journalists for 15 more days
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An Egyptian judiciary official says a team of journalists working for satellite news broadcaster Al-Jazeera English will be held for 15 more days pending investigation into allegations they are part of a terrorist group.
Prosecutors accuse them of setting up an illegal media center aimed at tarnishing Egypt's image and spreading false news. Egypt's interim-backed military government accuses the Qatar-based broadcaster of being biased in favor of the Muslim Brotherhood, which authorities have branded a terrorist organization. The broadcaster repeatedly has demanded the reporters be freed.
The journalists, arrested Dec. 29, include Australian correspondent Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian acting bureau chief Mohammed Fahmy and Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he wasn't authorized to brief journalists, said the detention order was issued Thursday.