Egypt's Sisi says pardon for Al Jazeera journalists 'being discussed'

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi speaks during a news conference with Cyprus' President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras (unseen) after their summit at the presidential palace in Cairo November 8, 2014. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi suggested on Thursday he was considering pardoning journalists of the Qatar-based Al Jazeera television station jailed in his country for nearly a year on charges of aiding a "terrorist organisation".

Human rights groups and Western governments have condemned the trial of the journalists and the United Nations questioned Egypt's judicial independence. The affair has contributed to tensions between Egypt and Qatar.