Rep. Schneider: Violent Crackdown in Egypt Must End

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement in response to recent reports that more than 600 people have been killed in military assault on pro-Morsi supporters in Egypt.

"The recent violent crackdown by the interim Egyptian government is a serious impediment to reconciliation efforts toward transitioning the political system of Egypt into one that respects the human rights of all Egyptian citizens," Schneider said. "The use of extraordinary and deadly force must end and those responsible for orchestrating such actions held accountable. The U.S. and its allies are correct to expect transparency and respect for minorities and opposing opinions in the transition to democracy and we must demand more of the Egyptian military and temporary authorities that currently are stewards of the Egyptian people's ambitions for a better, more just future."

In Congress, Schneider has emerged as an active, vocal leader on issues related to foreign affairs. He coauthored new Iran sanctions, authored a letter to Secretary of State Kerry cautioning the potential transfer of advanced weapons from Russia to Syria and introduced a bill to ensure Israel has the tools it needs to defend itself from the strategic and existential threats it faces.

The Egyptian Health Ministry has estimated that more than 600 people have been killed and more than 4,000 have been injured in a crackdown on pro-Morsi supporters by the interim military government in Egypt.

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