‘Geen bewijs voor onze veroordeling’

Ladies and gentlemen, friends, and colleagues,

Today marks a 365 days since into our wrongful imprisonment that has sparked an unprecedented global fury. Your epic support has sparked an uprising against the suppression of free press which is a fundamental core of any true democratic state. Our freedom and vindication at the end of this journey will resonate as a revolution against world leaders who undermine the power of the media.

Anyone that has followed our case knows that there was no evidence to convict us journalists separately for the alleged accusations. In reality the court was trying Qatar and its Al Jazeera network.

I accepted the job as Al Jazeera bureau chief because I recognised many excellent journalists that worked for the channel. I am convinced just as I was a year ago that our reporting was fair, balanced and served the interest of no specific party over the other.
The Egyptian government had banned the sister Arabic channels and shut down their offices. I made a clear distinction to highlight our licenced channel from day one in all our communications, news gathering, and sourcing. On Dec 29, when the anti-terror units raided my hotel room, they had no idea Al Jazeera English existed.

I hope the legendary support for #FreeAJStaff hash-tag graces the world until we are released. I intend to build on this momentum with my newly initiated #FreePressBattle hash-tag brandishing a mandate aimed at supporting some of the 200 registered journalists jailed across the world for charges similar to mine.

Our families have suffered immensely. Yet the outcry for justice you all continue to make has mended some of their scars. I am proud of the support we have invoked by galvanising world leaders, diplomats, human rights gurus, press freedom advocates and citizens of the free world that live to express freely and safely. The electronic armies of supporters promoting our cause on every possible digital platform is baffling to say the least.

The inclusion of Mrs. Rena Netjas as a defendant in this case is one of the most explicit examples to highlight the absurdity of this trial aside from the 7- year sentence I am serving, the no evidence and the countless legal loopholes.

Mrs. Netjas whom I believe is reading this speech tonight is only guilty of joining me for a brief discussion in the Marriott Hotel over a cup of tea for less than an hour. She was simply researching a Sinai story for her Dutch paper like any dedicated reporter does. However, the security forces decided she is part of the terror-operation I supposedly command. Next thing you know, she is a fugitive, separated from her loved ones in Cairo,and currently wanted for a 10-year sentence.

Rena’s situation may sound like a joke for someone hearing this story for the first time. But, there is nothing funny about destroying people’s lives.

I am more positive than ever about the end of my imprisonment sooner than later especially after the recent reconciliation between Qatar and Egypt.

But, I am not celebrating just yet. The political nature of our case leaves us victims of the shifting geo-politics that can never be anticipated.

I am just as inspired by your support as you are galvanised by our cause of free speech. That spirit is what will keep my moral and dignity up high in court on New Year day.

Lots of love from Peter Greste, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy.

Thank you