Egypt: US Condemns Raid of Democracy NGOs’ Offices

The offices of a number of NGOs which promote democracy and human rights in Egypt – including several domestic groups and the American organizations Freedom House, the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute – were raided yesterday by security forces. The raids represent an escalation of the crackdown against such groups that began this summer, including a state media-led campaign which portrays the organizations as traitors working for foreign interests. A number of Egyptian rights groups released a statement condemning the raids, and international organizations have begun to voice their concern as well.

Many have noted that this crackdown represents a new form of repression against civil society that was uncommon during the Mubarak years. The incident drew sharp criticism from Western governments and observers, including a statement from Freedom House President David J. Kramer that the raids represent “the clearest indication yet that the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has no intention of permitting the establishment of genuine democracy.”

Furthermore, it has provoked discussion on the state of US aid to the Egyptian government. In light of this incident, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland stated that “this aid could be withheld if Cairo’s leaders do not respond appropriately.”