Greste parents speak of ‘most difficult day’

The parents of jailed Al Jazeera journalist, Peter Greste, have said visiting their son for the first time since he was arrested in Egypt in December was the “most difficult day” of their lives.

Greste was sentenced to at least seven years in prison by an Egyptian court earlier this month, alongside his colleagues Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Lois Greste, Peter’s mother, said her son was delighted to see her but seemed “sombre”.

“It was not easy … it was quite emotional when we arrived, but also when we left,” Greste said, adding she and her husband were only allowed to spend 45 minutes with Peter, less than what they had hoped.

The case sparked international outrage, with politicans and journalists from around the world condemning the sentences for the harshness and the circumstances in which it was conducted.

Evidence used against the three included holiday photos, reports by other news outlets, and a popular music video.

The charges on which they were tried included spreading false news, and association with a banned organisation, the Muslim Brotherhood.

Al Jazeera has condemend the sentences and has called on Egypt to release its employees.