Canada calls for 'immediate' return of convicted Al-Jazeera journalist

In response to the sentencing of three Al-Jazeera journalists detained and jailed in Egypt, Canada has called for the immediate return for Mohamed Fahmy, a Canadian citizen.

Mohamed Fahmy was sentenced to three years in prison on Saturday along with Egyptian producer Baher Mohamed for allegedly broadcasting "false news." A third Al-Jazeera reporter, Australian Peter Greste, was convicted in absentia.

Judge Hassan Farid, the presiding judge over the ruling, said he convicted them to prison because they had not properly registered under a journalist visa. He added that they broadcast "false news" on Al-Jazeera.

The trio had been retried after over-turning seven-year sentences, but the re-sentencing prompted international condemnation.

“Canada is disappointed with Mohamed Fahmy’s conviction today. ‎This decision severely undermines confidence in the rule of law in Egypt," Lynne Yelich, minister of state for foreign affairs and consular matters, said in a statement.

“The government of Canada continues to call on the Egyptian government to use all tools at its disposal to resolve Mr. Fahmy’s case and allow his immediate return to Canada," Yelich's statement noted that Canadian officials have raised the issue with Egypt and "will continue to do so".

Greste spoke out from Australia and called the sentences "outrageous".

"I can't begin to tell you just how heavily it weighs on me," he said, while encouraging supporters to keep fighting the sentences.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was "dismayed" by the sentences.

The European Union issued a statement Saturday calling the sentences a "setback for freedom of expression in Egypt".

"We look forward to the appeals process and reiterate our call for the release of the defendants," the statement said.

Britain likewise voiced its disapproval.

"These sentences will undermine confidence in Egypt's progress towards strong, long-term stability based on implementing the rights granted by the Egyptian constitution," North Africa minister Tobias Ellwood said in a statement.

Western countries have made numerous moves to secure the journalists' release. In January, former Canadian foreign minister John Baird traveled to Egypt in an attempt to return Fahmy to Canada.

Al-Jazeera, based in Qatar, has denounced the verdict against the journalists as a "deliberate attack on press freedom".

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists at least 18 journalists, many accused of being part of the Muslim Brotherhood, are behind bars in Egypt.