Rep. Bilirakis Calls For End To Pro-Democracy Crackdown in Egypt

Press Release

Appalled by the recent developments in Egypt regarding the crackdown on pro-democracy NGOs and their staffs, including U.S. citizens, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-09) last week spoke directly with Sameh Shoukry, Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S., and demanded the Egyptian government drop all pending charges, lift all travel bans and return confiscated property immediately.

"With this most recent politically-motivated assault on civil society, I once again emphasize the need to examine our substantial aid to the Egyptian government in order to show our commitment to those who support a free and democratic Egypt," Bilirakis said.

Bilirakis was instrumental late last year in urging the House Appropriations Committee to place conditions on more than $1.3 billion in U.S. aid to Egypt's military. Placing conditions on the aid would incentivize peaceful and democratic change in Egypt, and would pose serious consequences for continued violations of basic political and human rights.

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