US criticizes Egyptian action against youth leader

May 13, 2013 @ 1:49 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is blasting Egyptian authorities for detaining a prominent youth movement leader on possible charges including "incitement to protest" and insulting the government's interior minister.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki says the action against Ahmed Maher is a "step backward" for Egypt's democratic transition.

She says democratic societies don't prosecute people for such alleged violations.

Maher, who was arrested in Cairo last week upon returning from a trip to the U.S., was among those at the forefront of the 2011 revolt that ousted longtime President Hosni Mubarak. He was later released.

The U.S. is concerned about what it sees as a growing trend of arrests in Egypt designed to punish political dissent.


(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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Comments (3)


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  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    But teh Owebama admin is TOTALLY behind the Muslim Brotherhood.
    March 29, 2013 8:01 am
    Ergo, Owebama and Dimocrats are obviously anti-woman.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • cigarfan wrote...
    @HPD 5-0
    April 2, 2013 4:23 pm
    Women drive in Egypt.....so we're not really sure what you are on about.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Backsliding?
    April 3, 2013 5:34 am
    The Muslim Brotherhood? Oh, they'll slide back; with our money and weapons. Thanks, Barry. Brilliant.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }