The United States has reiterated its concern after the recent demonstrations in Egypt in which 200 people were arrested, arguing that the new protest law is not consistent with international standards.
“The United States is concerned about the ill effects of the law on demonstrations which was adopted in Egypt,” said US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki on Friday. “This week, the Egyptian authorities used tear gas and water cannons to disperse peaceful demonstrators and arrested many others.”
Psaki also said many demonstrators were beaten and left in the desert. “Peaceful protesters should express their views freely,” she said.
“We agree with Egyptian civil society organizations that the law on demonstrations restricts freedom of assembly and does not push political transition forward,” she added. “The United States wants a transition in Egypt to a democracy that represents all social spectra.”
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
