PHOTO: Peter Greste has been charged with spreading false news and supporting the Muslim Brotherhood.(AFP: Khaled Desouki)
Prime Minister Tony Abbott has personally intervened on behalf of detained Australian journalist Peter Greste.
The award-winning Al Jazeera reporter was arrested in a Cairo hotel along with colleagues Mohamed Adel Fahmy and Baher Mohamed on December 29.
The men have been accused of broadcasting "misleading" news about the political situation in Egypt and supporting the blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood of deposed president Mohamed Morsi.
Greste and his Al Jazeera colleagues have denied the charges, which the media outlet has labelled absurd.
The ABC understands Mr Abbott spoke directly to interim Egyptian president Adly Mansour last night and asked for Greste to be released.
It is understood Mr Abbott said Greste was only doing his job as a journalist and had no intention of damaging Egypt's interests.
The ABC understands Mr Mansour noted he has written to Greste's parents promising the journalist would be subject to a fair and just legal process.
It is understood the president assured Mr Abbott that Greste would receive all necessary legal assistance, and said he hoped the case would be resolved as soon as possible.
Deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek has commended the Prime Minister's action, and says Labor stands ready to assist in any way it can to secure Greste's release.
"Being a journalist is not a crime. A free press is critically important. Journalists shouldn’t be put on trial or locked up for doing their job," she said in a statement.
"At this terribly difficult time, our thoughts remain with Peter, his parents, family, and friends.
"I commend the significant efforts of the Australian diplomats who are working so hard on this matter."
Greste's parents welcome Abbott's intervention
Greste's parents, Lois and Juris, were informed of Mr Abbott's conversation by DFAT.
Speaking in Brisbane, the couple would not be drawn on whether they thought the Prime Minister should have intervened earlier.
"Whilst its been a long time I'm pleased that it has now come and Mr Abbott has been able to make that telephone call," Ms Greste said.
Mr Greste added: "As we have had to cope with it, we have come to realise that the timing ... is important and we respect other people's judgement on the timing."
Greste's brother saw the Al Jazeera journalist on Tuesday and Lois and Juris say he is doing well.
"We have high hopes but modest expectations. To be more specific, we don't expect to be greeting Peter next week," Mr Greste said.
They say Mr Mansour has written them a personal letter.
"His words were he will do whatever he can to see a speedy resolution, but with the understanding that the court process has to take its course," Mr Greste said.
The case, in which 17 others are also charged, has sparked an international outcry and fuelled fears of a crackdown on the press by Egypt's military-installed authorities.
Greste's trial resumes next Monday. If found guilty, he could face seven years in prison.
Source: ABC news
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