03/09/2013 (Agence Europe) - Ashton says justice must be independent in proceedings against Mohamed Morsi. With the former president of Egypt, Mohammed Morsi, being charged for incitement to murder, Michael Mann, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, recalled on 2 September that the EU has called, and continues to call, for the release of political prisoners. “If there are criminal proceedings, they must be clear as quickly as possible”, Mann said. “Justice is taking its course but the independence of justice is a key element for an open and democratic society”, Mann said. On 1 September, the Egyptian public prosecutor announced that Morsi will be tried, along with 14 other leading members of the Muslim Brotherhood, for “incitement to murder”. He did not give details on the date of the trial. (CG/transl.fl)