Brussels, 28/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - Concerned about the recent arrest warrants for political activists in Egypt, the EU reiterated its concern on Tuesday 28 October about the protest law that continues “to be seen as limiting freedom of expression and assembly”.
“The European Union stresses in this context the importance of protecting freedom of expression and assembly for a successful completion of the [government's] roadmap and a vibrant civil society”, the European External Action Service stated.
On 26 October, 23 pro-democracy activists were sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of 10,000 Egyptian pounds (around €1,100) for having protested without authorisation. They were accused of participating in an illegal demonstration, of vandalism and obstructing road traffic, and were arrested in June following a gathering for the repeal of the law on demonstrations that was adopted in November 2013. (CG)