Deeply concerned about the worsening climate for freedom of assembly and peaceful expression in Egypt, the US has urged Egyptian government to fulfil its commitment to implement an inclusive democratic transition.
"The implementation of Egypt's restrictive demonstrations law has led to an increase in arrests, detentions, and charges against opposition figures, human rights activists and peaceful demonstrators, and sends a chilling message to civil society at large," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said.
The US denouncement came a day after three activists in Egypt were jailed for organising an unauthorised march to protest new law banning all but police-sanctioned protests.
"In particular, we believe that the verdicts issued December 22 do not contribute to an open electoral environment or a transition process that protects the universal rights of all Egyptian citizens, and therefore should be reviewed," she said.
"We continue to urge the government to fulfil its commitment to implement an inclusive democratic transition, including by permitting an open environment in which Egyptians are free to campaign and vote in favour or against the draft constitution on January 14-15, or abstain from the process entirely," Psaki said.
