EP-voorzitter Schulz onthutst over veroordeling 43 medewerkers NGO's in Egypte (en)

European Parliament President Martin Schulz made the following statement on the conviction of 43 NGO workers in Egypt:

"The conviction of 43 NGO workers is unacceptable, unjustified and intended to strangle a vivid civil society in Egypt. The court's decision to close five foreign NGOs in Egypt and to confiscate their assets contradicts the Egyptian government's international commitment to guarantee that NGOs and civic activists may operate freely in the country.

It is a disappointment to see a democratically-elected government using the same old practices of intimidation as the ones used under the Mubarak regime.

President Morsi's government has the political responsibility to respond to the Egyptian people's aspirations for freedom of expression and association."

For further information:

europarl.president.press@europarl.europa.eu

Richard Freedman

Press Officer

+32 498 983 239

Armin Machmer

Spokesperson

+32 498 98 15 50