EU voices concern over prison sentences against political activists in Egypt

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton Monday expressed concern about the guilty verdict, the prison sentences and the financial penalty handed down by a court in Egypt against political activists Ahmed Maher, a founder of the April 6 Movement, Ahmed Duma and Mohammed Adel. "These sentences appear to be based on the recently enacted protest law which is widely seen as limiting excessively freedom of expression and assembly," said Michael Mann, spokeman for Ashton, in a statement. "The High Representative expresses the hope that these sentences could be reviewed in an appeals process," it noted. Stressing the importance of protecting freedom of expression and assembly for the successful completion of the interim government's roadmap, Ashton also expressed concern at the recent raid on the offices of the Egyptian Centre for Economic and Social Rights. She reaffirmed the European Union's support for a sustainable democracy that meets the aspirations of the Egyptian people and its readiness to cooperate with Egyptians to see their transition succeed, added the statement.