20/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU regrets search of NGO headquarters. The EU is concerned about reports of a search conducted at the headquarters of an NGO, the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights, and the arrest of six people on 19 December, announced Michael Mann, a spokesman for EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, on 20 December. He said the EU would be closely monitoring the situation, adding that the EU notes the importance of an active civil society in any democracy where freedom of association must be confirmed. The Egyptian police arrested activist Mohamed Adel, whom they had been seeking, for “illegal demonstrations”. Four of those arrested have now been released. The Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights was set up by presidential candidate Khaled Ali. A reporter for AFP says the headquarters were sacked. (CG/transl.fl)