Egyptian soldiers attacked several NGOs offices in the capital Cairo, forcing their way in, blocking the entrances and seizing computers and files.
To the extent of our knowledge this is the first time since January 2010 but this is the first time even under Mubarak regime that military officers are doing this kind of attack. They said according to some information from some sources that have to check the origins of funds and some information about their relationship with foreigners but this can be done according to the law. That means they can invite them for an investigation.
Raids by the Egyptian military on non-governmental organizations or NGOs, including human rights groups, have been carried out for the first time in the country’s history according to the UN.
ReplyDeleteOn Thursday, Egyptian soldiers attacked several NGOs offices in the capital Cairo, forcing their way in, blocking the entrances and seizing computers and files.
Some employees had their cell phones confiscated.
Frej Finniche, OHCHR Chief of the Middle Eastern and North Africa Office based in Geneva says his office is “alarmed” by these attacks.
“To the extent of our knowledge this is the first time since January 2010 but this is the first time even under Mubarak regime that military officers are doing this kind of attack. They said according to some information from some sources that have to check the origins of funds and some information about their relationship with foreigners but this can be done according to the law. That means they can invite them for an investigation.”
The Egyptian authorities have reportedly blamed foreign-funded groups for the political unrest following the uprising that ousted President Mubarak in February.