US condemns violence in Egypt, urges end to politicized arrests

Responding to reports of clashes at Al-Azhar University in Egypt and the arrest of Muslim Brotherhood leader Essam El-Erian, the US State Department condemned on Wednesday all acts of violence and called on Egyptians from all sides to exercise restraint. "Violence hinders Egypt's democratic process, their ability to make progress and, of course, their economic recovery," said the Department Spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki during a briefing. "We have been clear that the interim government should ensure that all Egyptians are afforded due process, transparency and open trial with civilians tried in civilian courts," Psaki said. "We have consistently called, publicly and privately, for an end to all politicized arrests and detention. We will continue to do so," she added