Egypt detains three journalists for 15 days

Three journalists working for the Al-Jazeera English television network have been detained in  Egypt for 15 days after being accused of joining an illegal terrorist group, supplying the group with equipment and three other charges.

The news agency has since demanded the release of its staff - named as Peter Greste, Mohamed Fadel Fahmy and Baher Mohamed. They have been detained since Sunday.

Egyptian authorities have accused Al-Jazeera of bias in favour of the Muslim Brotherhood since the army ousted President Mohammed Morsi in July.

The Brotherhood were declared a terrorist organisation last week, amid a crackdown on the group that saw hundreds of pro-Morsi protesters killed and arrested.

As well as belonging to an illegal terrorist group - the Brotherhood - and helping promote its objectives, the detainees are accused by prosecutors of broadcasting "false news... that undermines the national interest and public security and spreads fear among the people" and possessing broadcasting equipment without a licence.

However, the director of Al-Jazeera English has rebutted the claims, instead accusing the Egyptian forces of "spreading fear".

"The detentions are outrageous and the accusations against the men are totally false and unfounded," Al Anstey, director of Al-Jazeera English said.

The staff members have been remanded in custody for 15 days but that detention can be extended if formal charges are brought.

The news agency has since demanded the release of its staff - named as Peter Greste, Mohamed Fadel Fahmy and Baher Mohamed.

Meanwhile, cameraman Mohamed Fawzy was released on Tuesday.