WHITE HOUSE URGES EGYPT TO FREE DETAINED JOURNALISTS

Washington, 5 Rabi’ul Akhir 1435/5 Febuary 2014 (MINA) – “We strongly urge the government to drop these charges and release those journalists and academics who have been detained,” White House told the press.

The White House on Tuesday said the curtailing of freedom of the press in Egypt is a “concern” for the Obama administration, and urged Cairo to free jailed journalists.

“The restrictions on freedom of expression in Egypt are a concern, and that includes the targeting of Egyptian and foreign journalists and academics simply for expressing their views. Anadolu Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting, Wesnesday (5/2)

These figures, regardless of affiliation, should be protected and permitted to do their jobs freely in Egypt,” said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney while speaking to the press.

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Carney said that the administration has voiced its concerns to the Egyptian government, “and we have strongly urged the government to drop these charges and release those journalists and academics who have been detained.”

He added, “Egypt’s transition can only move forward if all Egyptians are free to express themselves peacefully, without fear of intimidation or violence. Egypt’s newly approved constitution upholds basic rights and freedoms, and Egypt’s interim government has a responsibility to ensure that they are protected.” (T/P012/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)