CAIRO: The European Parliament demanded late last week that the Egypt government immediately halt its decision to prosecute any human rights and civil society organizations in the country, considering it “a serious violation of the right of forming associations.” The deputies said in a resolution adopted on Thursday in Strasbourg that “the development of the smear campaign against non-governmental organizations in Egypt is worrying.” This comes as the Egyptian government announced earlier in February the referring of 43 NGO workers, including 19 Americans, to trial over “obtaining illegal foreign funds.” The trial is to begin February 26. The EU Parliament demanded the “immediate halt of the criminal prosecutions against non-governmental organizations and political institutions.” The deputies pointed out that “the accusations reflect judicial repression, demanding the Egyptian authorities pass “a new law on associations and NGOs, based on international standards of human rights.” The row has left Egypt at odds with both Europe and the United States over their continued pressure on foreigners and locals working at NGOs in the country. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/Hwipt Tags: Cairo, European Union, featured, NGO, Trial Section: Egypt, Europe, Human Rights, Latest News
