Cathy Ashton condemns military trials in Egypt
(BRUSSELS2) Don't worry, that won't happen again and I will personally see to it... This is somewhat the meaning of the missive that Catherine Ashton, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, has just sent to the thirty MEPs from all sides (ALDE, Greens essentially, EPP, ECR and S&D as well) who had seized it to worry about the use of military justice against civilians by the new Egyptian authorities (*).
"TheSystematic use of military trials – which have targeted bloggers, activists and protesters – is intolerable. The right to a fair trial is a most basic human right. The civil courts are the impartial, independent and competent body for this.. she explained. And to add that he has taken several steps with the authorities. " I have already expressed serious concerns about the excessive use of military trials of civilians in my discussions with the interim military council and the government. And I issued several statements to this effect, with our delegation in Cairo which (engaged) in various steps on this subject. "" The interim authorities have decided, from September 15, to stop trying civilians before military tribunals. (It is) a necessary and fundamental step to restore confidence in the democratic process she adds. And to conclude his missive: The European Union, and myself personally, will continue to ensure a dialogue with Egypt pointing the way towards a democratic future for the Egyptian people. ».
(*) Personal translation. Document to download in B2 docs
NB: It can be seen that the military courts continue to be seized in Egypt. Alaa Abdel Fattah was sentenced on Sunday (October 30, 2011) by a court-martial to 15 days in prison, as reported France24. And blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad was sentenced to three years in prison before a military court at the end of August. He is currently on a hunger strike. the movement against military justice estimates at 12.000 the number of people who were brought before courts martial from January 28 to September 5, of whom nearly 8.000 were convicted and 800 acquitted (see below).
The prosecution, even before a civil court, of people who seek to ensure the right of expression or publication, in particular journalists, is not really reassuring either. The response of the High Representative on this subject therefore seems super-optimistic about the army's desire to control power in Egypt, even a provocative "chouia" so as not to provoke some reactions in the European Parliament. And we cannot say that it was made hastily. Since the answer was only sent on October 20, whereas the MEPs had written in mid-August!
