The journalists with the Doha-based satellite television, including Australian Peter Greste, are accused of supporting the blacklisted Muslim Brotherhood and broadcasting false reports.
After opening the trial, the Cairo court said it will hear prosecution witnesses and consider the evidence at the next hearing.
The journalists present in the caged dock pleaded not guilty.
Eight out of 20 defendants are in custody, with the rest on the run or abroad.
Greste is the only foreign journalist who has been arrested. The other foreigners listed in the indictment are abroad and being tried in absentia.
Prosecutors say they falsely portrayed Egypt as being in a state of "civil war".
That was possibly a reference to Al-Jazeera's coverage of a crackdown in which more than 1,000 supporters of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, who was toppled by the military in July, have since been killed in street clashes.
The government has designated the Brotherhood a terrorist organisation, although the group denies involvement in a spate of bombings since Morsi's overthrow.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
