Egypt: EU needs to send observers to political trials

As Egypt prepares for Presidential elections, the intimidation of activists, bloggers and journalists by state authorities continues. One of the most pressing concerns in this regard are the continued lawsuits on questionable charges against pro-democracy activists and bloggers who are threatened to become prisoners of conscience.  In a letter to the High Representative Lady Ashton, Members of European Parliament Ms Brantner and Ms Schaake demand that the EU send high level observers to these political trials in order to ensure that a fair and due process is guaranteed.

We need to show to the Egyptian authorities that the EU is taking rule of law seriously. In this crucial time in Egyptian history we cannot afford to be seen as turning a blind eye on intimidation and political trials of pro-democracy activists. 

Early March it was reported that twelve prominent revolutionary figures, including presidential candidates, activists, journalists, MPs, writers, and the 2011 Sakharov laureate Asmaa Mahfouz have been referred to a military prosecution for allegedly inciting hatred against the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), attempting to bring down the state and other charges. In addition on April 17th Ms Mahfouz is scheduled to be put on trial on charges of having physically assaulted a man she claims to never have met.

These trials are an outrageous attempt to intimidate civil society activists and the Egyptian public in the run-up to the presidential elections in May. We would like to ask you to ensure that EU observers, possibly at ambassador level, are present at all sessions of these trials in order to ensure that a fair and due process is guaranteed.

 Here you can read the full letter to High Representative Ashton.