An Egyptian court denied bail to Australian journalist Peter Greste and two other employees of the Al Jazeera News network, leaving the men in jail until the start of their trial on 5 March.  Cameras were not allowed inside to cover the proceeding, and no translator was provided for Greste. 

Prosecutors claim the men were secretly supporting the banned Muslim Brotherhood and trying to destroy Egypt's image by broadcasting “misleading” news about the country under military rule.  Greste and the others deny these allegations.

“We know we have done nothing wrong.  We have confidence that justice will set us free,” said Greste, and asked a message be relayed to his parents, “Tell them I love them.  Be strong.  We’re together as a team.”

If he’s found guilty, Peter Greste could be sentenced to seven years in prison.

The journalists say they haven’t been told when their trial will start and they were not given enough time with their lawyers to prepare for the evidence against them.  They’re locked up 23 hours a day, denied access to news coverage and writing materials.

“It’s physically fine, but psychologically unbearable,” said Al Jazeera Cairo bureau chief Mohamed Fahmy to reporters.  “We are strong.”

Five other codefendants whom the Al Jazeera network says are not employees complained of torture inside the Egyptian jail.