The United States has voiced concerns over what it called suppression of free speech rights of political activists and journalists in Egypt, and reminded the country's government of its international obligations to uphold the freedom of expression of its citizens.
"We are deeply concerned by the growing trend of efforts to punish and deter political expression in Egypt. Numerous individuals, including journalists, bloggers and activists have been detained, and some are being charged and put on trial for allegedly defaming government figures," State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said on Monday.
"Such charges do not conform to Egypt's international obligations, do not reflect international standards regarding freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, particularly in a democratic society, and represent a step backward for Egypt's democratic transition," Ventrell said.
"We call on the Government of Egypt to publicly speak out against this trend and to protect the essential freedoms of expression and assembly as it has publicly committed to do. This is the way to ensure that Egypt's democratic transition continues to progress in a way that meets the aspirations of the Egyptian people," he added.
In recent months, several Egyptian journalists, talkshow hosts and comedians have been charged with defamation for insulting the country's Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. Opposition activists as well as rights groups believe that the move is aimed at intimidating opponents of the Morsi government.
The latest developments come amid unrest, insecurity and a crippling economic crisis in Egypt, which is currently divided between the Islamist parties that came to power in last year's election and the more secular Opposition.
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