DISGUSTING: AJ Journos Jailed

Three Al-Jazeera journalists have been jailed for a total of 17 years on trumped up 'false news' charges.

Award-winning Australian journalist Peter Greste was sentenced to seven years in maximum security prison. Meanwhile Egyptian-Canadian reporter Mohamed Fahmy was also sentenced to seven years behind bars. Their colleague Baher Mohamed received three years and a 5,000 LE fine.

Prosecutors claimed that the trio formed part of the so-called "Mariott Cell," following a clampdown on the broadcaster in December last year. They were also accused of paying 16 alleged members of the Muslim Brotherhood.

The verdict looks set to spark fury among press freedom and human rights activists. The news comes following a shambolic trial, which saw prosecutors present footage from rival broadcasters as evidence, along with wildlife footage shot in Kenya as supposed proof of the men's intent to spread media mistruths.

Meanwhile 11 defendants were sentenced  to 10 years in prison with labor and nine to seven years in prison. Two other defendants were acquitted following today's hearing. It is expected that the verdicts will be appealed.

Fellow Al-Jazeera journalist Abdullah Elshamy was released by regime authorities last week following 147 days on hunger strike.