France denounces Egypt's decision to sentence journalists

, June 24:

denounced Egypt's decision to sentence three

up to seven years in jail and called for freedom of expression, media reported on Tuesday.

"It is important that the Egyptian authorities ensure journalists' protection and guarantee a fair trial to defendants based on an independent investigation," Xinhua quoted Foreign Affairs Ministry's spokesperson Romain Nadal as saying.

Nadal also expressed concerns after an Egyptian court confirmed death sentence against 183 supporters of Muslim Brotherhood who participated in protests last year in August.

Three Al Jazeera journalists - Australian Peter Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Mohamed Fadel Fahmy and producer Baher Mohamed - were sentenced by an Egyptian court on Monday for seven years accusing them of spreading false news and helping Muslim Brotherhood movement.

IANS