European parliament members raised concern regarding the military trails of civilians in Egypt. A cross-party alliance of MEPs have deplored these events and urgently asked EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in a letter to express the EU's deep concern about the large-scale unlawful detentions as well as the ongoing military trials of civilians, according to the statement that they issued. Marietje Schaake MEP and a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe ( ALDE) said it is high time the EU ensures it's commitment to Egypt's development and offer its partnership to an Egypt based on principles of human rights, the rule of law, social justice and economic development. She added "civilians have the right to transparent and fair trials before independent civil courts”, she asserted that civilians should not be tried at all for merely speaking freely or for peacefully assembling. She asserted that human rights should be guaranteed under any future state model." Franziska Brantner MEP (GREENS) said "The Egyptian authorities' commitment to the democratic transformation of their country would be much more credible if freedom of speech and civilians' rights to a fair trial were fully respected.” Brantner said Egypt's leadership in the Arab world and beyond depends on the ability of the Egyptian authorities to protect and uphold the values of the January 25 revolution". MEPs response shows deep concern regarding the recent statements made by the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, which has accused several youth movements and individuals of inciting violence and creating unrest, after posting tweets & notes on social media criticizing the policies of the Supreme council in running the country.
