Swoboda condemns Egypt violence: „Brutal attacks by security forces are scandalous“

As the Egyptian security forces have moved in to clear camps of protesters supporting former President Mohamed Morsi, more reports of violence and casualties are emerging, including the shooting of a British journalist.

Hannes Swoboda, president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, commented on the unfolding events: „International journalists‘ testimonies have revealed scandalous violence from the Egyptian security forces.

„I strongly condemn the violence that has led to a shocking and as yet unknown number of deaths and injuries. The interim government – installed by the military – must not remain a silent aide to this violence but must order an immediate end to these attacks and guarantee the right to peaceful protest for all Egyptians.

„Egyptians from across the political spectrum demanded freedom and democracy when they ousted former president Hosni Mubarak in 2011. The current situation and the actions of the government are not meeting the legitimate expectations of the Egyptian people.

„It is crucial that the European Union and its high representative for foreign affairs, Catherine Ashton, speak with one strong voice in support of democratic development in Egypt.“