CAIRO: An investigation into the ruling military council's claims that the April 6 Youth Movement – and similar movements – is receiving foreign aid was initiated yesterday by the State Security Prosecution. Critics of the accusations claim the ruling military council is trying to drive a wedge between the army and the Egyptian people. A number of activists, NGO leaders and members of regulatory authorities will be brought in for questioning regarding the accusations, a judicial source told Youm7. Foreign interference in Egyptian internal affairs – including aid to civil society organizations, both those operating with a license and without – will not be tolerated, the Egyptian Cabinet decided at a meeting on Wednesday. Such foreign aid is a violation of Egyptian law and could compromise existing international economic aid packages with Egypt's strategic partners, a Cabinet statement read. The Egyptian government will form a fact-finding mission, headed by the Egyptian Minister of Justice, to prepare a report about foreign aid, Egyptian laws, international agreements and any violations therein. The fact-finding mission will be announced in the next few days, the statement added. Egyptian authorities will closely follow any developments on this issue, and are authorized to take any measures necessary to protect the security and interests of Egypt.
