Protesters hold signs saying ‘Free Peter’ and ‘Free AJ Staff’ at a rally in Martin Place, Sydney in support of the three Al Jazeera journalists being held in Egypt. Photo by Richard Milnes, Copyright @Demotix (2/27 2014)

Australians’ reactions to the prison sentences for three Al Jazeera English journalists in Egypt have been swift: shock and outrage. Journalists and friends in the media have led the way in calling for the release of Peter Greste and his colleagues, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed. They have been found guilty of ‘airing false reports’ that ‘defame’ Egypt.

Shocking news that Australian journalist Peter Greste has been jailed for 7 years in Egypt http://t.co/4w9qcoKTqJ via @smh

— Kate McClymont (@Kate_McClymont) June 23, 2014

Australian, Al Jazeera journalist, Peter Greste, jailed for 7 years in Egypt. A huge blow to him, his loved ones and press freedom. #news

— Helen Tzarimas (@Tzarimas) June 23, 2014

Heart breaking for Peter Greste, his co-accused, colleagues and family. A show trial with no purpose. Being a journalist is not a crime.

— Lucy Carter (@lucethoughts) June 23, 2014

Highly respected ABC Radio presenter Mark Colvin joined the expressions of anguish for his friend:

Can't pretend objectivity on the @petergreste story. He's a friend, and I've had the privilege to be friends with his parents Lois & Juris.

— Mark Colvin (@Colvinius) June 23, 2014

Within minutes the verdict appeared in six of the top Twitter trends in Australia.

Before the news came, another ABC journalist Tom Forbes tweeted this page from the New York Times:

A powerful message on the back page of today's New York Times. @PeterGreste #FreeAJStaff pic.twitter.com/s70z4VAgsF

— Tom Forbes (@tomforbes72) June 22, 2014

Amnesty Australia has quickly responded to people’s desire to act:

BREAKING: Egypt sentences Peter #Greste to 7 years in jail. Outrageous & unacceptable. Take action> http://t.co/1m0mn5haFa

— Amnesty Australia (@amnestyOz) June 23, 2014

Sydney academic Simon Chapman also has ideas about action:

Is there a fund we can donate to support #PeterGreste & colleagues’ needs in jail?

— Simon Chapman (@SimonChapman6) June 23, 2014

Retweets have been the order of the day with Sally Sara's call a popular one:

Go on …. It only takes 5 mins to email Egypt Embassy in support of Press Freedom and #PeterGreste. Email: Embassy.canberra@mfa.gov.eg

— Sally Sara (@sallyjsara) June 23, 2014

Alister Greste, Peter's nephew, has spoken for the family and for many Australians:

As a family we are devastated but our resolve is immense. The fight will continue and we will not rest. #AJTrial #freedom #FAMILY #fighting

— A_Greste (@AlisterGreste) June 23, 2014