Al Jazeera Demands Release Of Journalists Detained In Egypt

Al Jazeera has once again demanded the release of journalists detained by Egyptian authorities in Cairo.

The news network posted a statement on its website, calling for the release of correspondent Abdullah al-Shami, who was detained on Wednesday, and cameraman Mohamed Badr, who has been held for more than one month. Badr's detention was recently extended for an additional 15 days. Al Jazeera said of the situation:

The arrests are part of what Reporters Without Borders has called 'growing hostility' towards journalists in Egypt. A Turkish reporter has also been arrested, and numerous others subjected to harassment and physical violence.

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There has also been a campaign against Al Jazeera in particular. Authorities in Egypt have said they will review the 'legitimacy and legality' of Al Jazeera Mubasher Misr's operations in the country. The channel's offices were raided last month, and security forces seized equipment which has yet to be returned.

Following the ousting of former President Mohammed Morsi last month, Egyptian authorities raided Al Jazeera's Cairo office, detained at least five staffers and seized computer equipment. At the time of the raid, the news network was prohibited from airing a pro-Morsi rally and was told to cease its coverage of the event.

Last week, three journalists were killed while covering the violent uprisings in Cairo, while others said they were detained and beaten by Egyptian authorities.