US urges Egypt to drop charges against journalists and academics

The US administration has expressed “deep concern” about freedom of expression in Egypt and the interim government’s detention of journalists and academics. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told a press conference, “Regardless of their affiliations, such individuals have to be protected and allowed to carry out their work freely in Egypt.”

According to Carney, the administration has “strongly urged the Egyptian government to drop these charges and release those journalists and academics who have been detained.”

He noted that democratic change in Egypt cannot be achieved unless people enjoy the freedom to express their opinions and ideas peacefully without being afraid of or faced with violence.