OSLO, Norway, December 2, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Minister Brende concerned about new Egyptian protest law
“I am concerned about the recent developments in Egypt. In Cairo, we have seen the use of force against demonstrators, the arrest of activists, and unreasonably harsh sentences. It is important that the authorities strengthen human rights in the ongoing work to form the new Egypt,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
Norway shares the opinion of the UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as international and Egyptian human rights organisations, all of which have expressed concern about the provisions of the protest law. It is unclear exactly what is prohibited, and what are the restrictions on the security forces’ use of force against protesters.
“I am concerned about the new law and its effect on the country’s transition to democratic rule. It restricts the right of Egyptians to freedom of assembly and expression, and does not live up to international standards,” said Mr Brende.
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