Trial of three Egyptian journalists adjourned

The trial of three Egyptian journalists has been adjourned until June 18th.

The trial of Yehia Qalash, the head of Egyptian Union of Journalists and board members, Khaled el-Balshy and Gamal Abdel-Rahim began on Saturday but was quickly adjourned.

“Today’s session was procedural. We requested postponement of the trial in order to have time to examine the case’s papers”, a defense lawyer said.

The trio is being accused of spreading false news and harboring fugitives.

About 50 journalists gathered in solidarity outside the court room, waving pens in the air and holding placards saying “Journalism is not a crime”.

After the session, Qalash, el-Balshy and Abdel-Rahim were seen exiting the courthouse holding hands.

The trial comes amid a growing crackdown on free speech in the north African country and last week Amnesty International had called the trial part of a draconian effort by president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi t to stifle opposition.