Protestation du Département d’Etat américain suite au maintien en détention de l'opposant égyptien, Ayman Nour
Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 18, 2006
Egypt: Denial of Ayman Nour Appeal
The United States is deeply troubled by the case of imprisoned opposition leader Ayman Nour. The Egyptian Government’s handling of this case represents both a miscarriage of justice by international standards, and a setback for the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people.
We are also deeply concerned by the repeated instances of police violence against peaceful demonstrators in Cairo and other places. Both Mr. Nour’s ongoing detention and the Egyptian Government’s handling of dissent raise serious concerns about the path of political reform and democracy in Egypt, and are incongruous with the Egyptian Government’s professed commitment to increased political openness and dialogue within Egyptian society. We urge the Egyptian Government to respect the rights of citizens to express their views peacefully.
We note that Mr. Ayman Nour’s health situation appears to be deteriorating, and we once again call upon the Egyptian Government to consider his humanitarian release, as well as the release of demonstrators detained in recent weeks. We continue to follow Mr. Nour's case closely and to engage the Egyptian Government to advocate for his release and for appropriate medical care prior to that release.
2006/514
Released on May 18, 2006