EU warns Egypt over freedom of expression

ISTANBUL

The European Union warned Egypt on Monday over the recent storming of a labor union building in Cairo and the arrest of journalists.

The statement comes after the country’s security forces raided the Egyptian Press Syndicate's offices on Sunday.

Undercover police officers detained two journalists who had been holding a sit-in in solidarity with detained colleagues.

The EU described the situation as “a worrying development, and continues a trend of restricting space for civil society and the freedom of expression”.

The 28-country bloc also called for the release of those detained and urged that the law regulating free assembly be in line with Egypt’s constitution.

“Freedom of assembly and press freedom are essential for democracy, to guarantee that all peaceful voices are heard and respected,” the EU statement added.

More than 400 Egyptian demonstrators were recently detained during nationwide marches on April 25.

ISTANBUL

The European Union warned Egypt on Monday over the recent storming of a labor union building in Cairo and the arrest of journalists.

The statement comes after the country’s security forces raided the Egyptian Press Syndicate's offices on Sunday.

Undercover police officers detained two journalists who had been holding a sit-in in solidarity with detained colleagues.

The EU described the situation as “a worrying development, and continues a trend of restricting space for civil society and the freedom of expression”.

The 28-country bloc also called for the release of those detained and urged that the law regulating free assembly be in line with Egypt’s constitution.

“Freedom of assembly and press freedom are essential for democracy, to guarantee that all peaceful voices are heard and respected,” the EU statement added.

More than 400 Egyptian demonstrators were recently detained during nationwide marches on April 25.