Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Mogherini
5.4.2017
The HR/VP is aware of Mr El-Sayed's case; the EU monitored his trial, and will continue to monitor any appeal hearings. The HR/VP discussed the EU's concerns regarding human rights and civil society when she met Foreign Minister Shoukry on 21 December.
The EU frequently raises the conditions of prisoners and detainees with the Egyptian authorities at all levels.
The EU continues to closely follow the human rights situation in Egypt, to address its concerns to the Egyptian authorities and in public statements, including at the multilateral fora, and to maintain regular contacts with civil society and human rights organisations/defenders.
Most recently, the EU has, formally expressed its concerns on several occasions to the Egyptian authorities in Cairo and Brussels on the new NGO law. The EU has requested that this law approved by the Egyptian Parliament in November, should be developed on the basis of a participatory process with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for civil society organisations, in line with the Egyptian Constitution and Egypt's international human rights commitments.
The EU is fully committed to promoting human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in its dialogue with Egypt as also shown by the recent visit of EUSR for Human Rights Stavros Lambrinidis to Cairo from 20 to 24 February.