EGYPTIAN POLICE ARREST AL-JAZEERA REPORTERS

Egyptian police have arrested three reporters and a freelance producer working for al-Jazeera English on charges of “spreading false news” that “damaged national security” and “holding illegal meetings” with members of the Muslim Brotherhood. The arrests came just days after the Egyptian government declared on Christmas Day that the Muslim Brotherhood, which had ruled in Egypt until it was overthrown earlier this year “a terrorist organization.” Britain’s Guardian newspaper observed today (Monday) that Qatar, which operates al-Jazeera, is regarded as sympathetic to the Muslim Brotherhood and is now the home of several members of the former Egyptian government who fled the country following the military-led coup.