EU Parliament President calls for an end to politicisation of justice in Egypt

The President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz said he is "appalled by the level of violence taking place in Egypt" which has claimed the lives of so many Egyptian citizens. In a statement Saturday night, Schulz called "for an end to the politicisation of justice and to free political prisoners, including former President Mohamed Morsi and his advisers." He regretted that security forces on Friday night failed to protect the lives of so many Egyptians. "I also regret that in the vacuum of a democratic mandate, opposing forces are using crowds as a way to legitimise their claims, with disastrous consequences," he said. Schulz said the leadership of the opposing camps has the political responsibility to end the confrontation and division of the Egyptian people and they should endeavour to foster calm and dialogue. He called on all sides to seek a credible political path to bring Egypt back to a peaceful and an inclusive process towards democracy, constitutionalism and reconciliation.