Source: European Commission |

Statement by the spokesperson on the pardoning of prisoners by Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi

BRUSSELS, Belgium, September 25, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ --

Statement by the spokesperson on the pardoning of prisoners by Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi:


The pardoning of Al Jazeera journalists Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed by Egyptian President Sisi, ahead of Eid Al-Adha, is a positive step. A free, diverse and independent media is essential in a democratic society and we encourage the Egyptian authorities to promote a safe environment for journalists.
 
The pardoning of young activists, including Yara Sallam and Sanaa Seif, charged with violating the "protest law" is also an encouraging move. We look forward to the amendment of this law by the new Parliament, in keeping with the Egyptian Constitution, which safeguards the freedom of assembly, and call for the release of all activists charged with violating this law.
 
The EU will continue to support Egypt in its political transition and in meeting the aspirations of the Egyptian people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of European Commission.