Calls on Egypt to Walk Itself Back from Precipice

Berman: “Egypt’s spring is quickly lapsing into a winter freeze as recent actions taken by elements of the Egyptian government undermine progress.”

Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman, the Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the below statement following an announcement by Egyptian judicial authorities that they will press criminal charges against employees of pro-democracy NGOs. The statement follows:

“The Egyptian government’s aggressive pursuit of pro-democracy and human rights NGOs is unprecedented and has the potential to severely harm bilateral relations, including our assistance programs. The prospect that Egypt will put American citizens on trial for peaceful, non-partisan democracy-building activities is intolerable. I urge Egyptian authorities to end the judicial procedures directed against these U.S. citizens and their NGO colleagues from Egypt and elsewhere. Organizations like NDI, IRI, and Freedom House should be duly registered, as they have long sought, their property should be returned, and they should be allowed to continue their valuable work in Egypt. Egypt’s spring is quickly lapsing into a winter freeze as recent actions taken by elements of the Egyptian government undermine progress. Egypt must walk itself back from this dangerous precipice.”

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