Egypt blasts European ‘interference’ over concerns about civil society crackdown

Egypt has blasted the EU and Britain for their criticism of a recent court decision to freeze the assets of three rights activists. The foreign ministry released a statement on Saturday responding to the comments, accusing the Europeans of double standards and calling their criticism a “flagrant” interference in Egypt’s domestic affairs.

The EU and Britain made their comments after an Egyptian court ruled in favour of freezing the assets of the activists last week. The decision was the latest in a widening crackdown against civil society groups. Five other campaigners were targeted in September last year and at least 12 rights groups faced similar difficulties back in 2011.

Britain and the EU expressed their concerns about last week’s verdict and “its worrying trend.”