Closing arguments in trial of 2 Al-Jazeera English reporters in Egypt expected to begin June 1

CAIRO – Prosecutors in Egypt are expected to begin their closing arguments on June 1 in the retrial of two Al-Jazeera English journalists.

That's according to defendant Mohammed Fahmy, a Canadian who is Al-Jazeera English's acting bureau chief in Egypt. He made the comment after a court hearing in the case Saturday.

Fahmy is being tried with Egyptian producer Baher Mohammed on charges accusing them of being part of a terrorist group and airing falsified footage intended to damage national security. The journalists insist they were just doing their job. Human rights organizations and media groups have criticized their trial.

Fahmy and Mohammed were released on bail in February. Australian journalist Peter Greste, also charged in the case, was deported from Egypt the same month.