Britain expresses concerns about freedom of speech in Egypt

Foreign Secretary William Hague expressed his concerns on Friday about the detention of journalists and increasing restrictions on the mass media in Egypt. The British minister called upon the interim government to commit itself to freedom of speech. He also expressed concerns about the conviction of Al-Jazeera Network journalists.

“We have passed our concerns over these issues to senior diplomats in the Egyptian government,” said Hague. “We are to discuss our concerns with the EU foreign ministers in the meeting on February 10 and will continue following up these issue closely with the Egyptians.”

The head of Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office called upon the interim Egyptian government to commit to the political process, which guarantees full freedom of expression to all. This, claimed Hague, will enable journalists to go about their work without fear of arrest.