“With the new presidential mandate starting, we reiterate our support for Egypt’s sustainable stability, social and economic reforms as well as development, building on the ongoing constructive dialogue under our joint Partnership Priorities” – the European External Action Service (EEAS) reacted.

“Sustainable stability and security can only go hand in hand with the full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with Egypt’s Constitution and international obligations” – the EEAS statement continues.

“The increasing number of arrests of human rights defenders, political activists and bloggers in the latest weeks in Egypt is therefore a worrying development”.

“In a moment when Egypt is seeking to consolidate democracy and the rule of law, the respect for peaceful expression of opinion and of criticism is important. Those standing for fundamental rights and democracy should not be fearing reprisals. We expect the Egyptian authorities to respect Egypt’s Constitution and international obligations”.