CAIRO, Oct 21 (Aswat Masriya) - Egypt's Court of Cassation has scheduled for an appeals hearing session in the case of Al Jazeera journalists accused of spreading false news on January 1, Defence Lawyer Shaaban Said told Aswat Masriya on Tuesday. 

A criminal court sentenced three Al Jazeera journalists to seven years in prison on June 23 on charges of defaming Egypt and spreading false news in the case known as the “Marriott Cell”.

The three defendants are Australian award-winning journalist Peter Greste, former BBC producer Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed who was sentenced to an additional three years for arms possession.

Several human rights organisations and journalists have criticised the verdict. The United Kingdom and Netherlands have both summoned the Egyptian ambassador to protest against this “disappointing” verdict.

On its side, the Egyptian foreign ministry denounced the "false allegations of restricting freedom of foreign media in Egypt," pointing out that there is at least 1,200 certified correspondents who practice their jobs without being subject to any restrictions or prosecution.

On Monday, a delegation of Arab journalists urged President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to pardon imprisoned journalists in Egyptian prisons.

According to international watchdog Reporters Without Borders, 14 journalists are currently behind bars in Egypt.