A group of six journalists, including five Australians, should learn within days if they will be charged over a story which has angered Malaysian authorities.
Key points:
- The Al Jazeera journalists were questioned for their documentary on the plight of migrant workers
- The Malaysian Government labelled the documentary misleading, inaccurate and unfair
- The journalists face possible charges of sedition and defamation
Human rights groups say a Malaysian police investigation of the Al Jazeera journalists is a chilling example of diminishing press freedom in the country.
The journalists were questioned by police in Kuala Lumpur on Friday and are facing possible charges of sedition and defamation.
Both offences carry possible jail terms.
Authorities are also investigating whether the group has violated Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Act.
The journalists work for Al Jazeera’s 101 East television program, which last week reported on the plight of undocumented migrant wor