Jailed Australian journalist Peter Greste says he is “devastated and outraged” by the seven-year jail sentence handed to him by Egyptian court.

Greste’s brothers, Mike and Andrew, posted a paraphrased statement from the Al Jazeera journalist to the Free Peter Greste Facebook page.

On Tuesday, Greste and Mohamed Fahmy were sentenced to seven years in jail by a judge and their colleague Baher Mohamed was sentenced to 10 years after being found guilty of spreading false news and supporting the blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood.

“I am devastated and outraged by Tuesday’s verdict,” the statement read.

“Throughout this trial, the prosecutor has consistently failed to present a single piece of concrete evidence to support the outrageous allegations against us.

“At the same time our lawyers have highlighted countless procedural errors, irregularities and abuses of due process that should have had the entire case thrown out of court many times over.
“That is why I intend to do everything I can and consider all possible measures to overturn the conviction.

“The verdict confirms that our trial was never simply about the charges against us. It has been an attempt to use the court to intimidate and silence critical voices in the media.

“That is why I know that our freedom, and more importantly the freedom of Egypt’s press, will never come without noisy, sustained pressure from individuals, human rights groups, governments and anyone who understands the fundamental importance of a free press to Egypt’s fledgling democracy.

Greste (right) with his brothers Mike and Andrew. Photo: Facebook

The statement also contained a message to those who have supported Greste and his colleagues throughout their struggle.

“We are all grateful for the extraordinary and unprecedented public support that countless people have offered us throughout this ordeal,” it said.

“It has kept us strong and continues to do so. We must all remain committed to fight this gross injustice for as long as necessary.”

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Earlier this week hopes of a presidential pardon appeared to have been dashed, with Egypt’s newly elected president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi saying he would not interfere with judicial verdicts.

Mr Sisi’s announcement means a legal appeal is the only hope for Greste and his colleagues.

The verdicts and sentences sparked an international outcry, but Mr Sisi said Egypt’s authorities would respect the independence of the judiciary.

“We will not interfere in judicial rulings,” he said in a televised speech at a military graduation ceremony.