Hoge Vertegenwoordiger verontwaardigd over arrestatie revolutionair Egypte (en)

EUROPEAN UNION

Brussels, 12 May 2013 A

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton i, on the detention of Ahmed Maher in Egypt

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative is concerned about the detention on Friday at the Cairo international airport of Ahmed Maher, leader of the 6 April Movement. Mr Maher is a prominent human rights defender who has been at the forefront of the fight for inclusive democracy and fundamental rights in Egypt, main aspirations of the 2011 revolution. His arrest, coming after the detention and prosecution of other 6 April members, civil society activists and media professionals, is a worrying development in the context of the democratic transition in the country. All parties involved in this transition should now put the emphasis on dialogue, tolerance and an inclusive process that could lead to the stability Egypt needs urgently today."