U. S. Department of State Issues Press Release On Conviction of Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim

The U. S. Department of State has issued a statement criticizing the conviction of dual national (U.S.-Egypt) Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim for defaming Egypt. Here is the text.

We are disappointed by the recent conviction in Egypt of democracy activist Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim. On August 2, Dr. Ibrahim was convicted of harming Egypt’s reputation through his writings in the foreign press and was sentenced to two years in prison. Lawsuits should not be used to undermine the principles of freedom of expression. We strongly advocate – in all countries – the protection of civil and political rights, including freedom of speech and due process.