Publications

For Immediate Release: US Government Must Speak Out Clearly in Support of Reform and Against Repression in Egypt

April 6, 2010

In an egregious violation of the freedoms of assembly and expression, Egyptian police arrested and beat dozens of peaceful demonstrators today. Commemorating the third anniversary of the April 6 strike, Egyptians gathered outside the People’s Assembly (Egyptian parliament) to peacefully demonstrate and to call for constitutional amendments to make upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections more free and fair. The courageous demonstrators came to the demonstration and participated, in spite of threats and warnings from Egyptian security, who threatened to use the emergency law, in place for nearly 30 years, against them.

Promoting Democracy in Egypt

Eurasia Critic Journal, July 2009

Dina Guirguis

Obama's Message in Egypt

The Washington Post, May 23, 2009

Dina Guirguis

Egypt Capitalizes on America's Shelved Mideast Reform Agenda

The Middle East Times, January 12, 2009

Dina Guirguis

VOICES FOR A DEMOCRATIC EGYPT (VDE)
EGYPT HUMAN RIGHTS OVERVIEW 2007-2009

INTRODUCTION

Egypt's human rights record over the last two years has shown demonstrable regression on all fronts. A state of emergency has been in force since the assassination of President Anwar Sadat in 1981 that suspends basic constitutional protections, and was renewed in May 2008 despite presidential campaign promises to the contrary. Regressions on the legislative, judicial, and executive fronts have resulted in a quickly deteriorating status quo. The Egyptian government’s failure to abide by Egyptian laws as well as Egypt’s international obligations has resulted in numerous rebukes by UN agencies as well as a multitude of national governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The United States can regain its credibility in the Middle East by convincingly censuring Egypt’s deliberate efforts to ignore the desire of its citizens for democracy and human rights. Supporting measures that enshrine these values is  consistent with US ideals and with the stated objectives of the new administration.