Four journalists working for Al Jazeera are to be tried in Egypt for aiding a “terrorist organisation”.

The group, which includes two Britons, an Australian and a Dutchwoman, was arrested and detained in Cairo last month.

They are accused publishing “lies” that harmed the national interest and supplying money, equipment and information to 16 Egyptians, thought to belong to the now outlawed Muslim Brotherhood.

Both state and private Egyptian media have been whipping up anti-Brotherhood sentiment, suggesting anyone associated with the group is a traitor and a threat to national security.