World
EU’s Financial Aid to Egypt: A Call for Human Rights Accountability
Explore the EU’s financial aid to Egypt and its implications for human rights accountability. This article delves into the complexities of foreign aid, the need for reform, and the crucial link between funding and human rights protection in Egypt.
EU’s Financial Support to Egypt: A Call for Accountability
As European Union leaders prepare to extend an additional €7.4 billion in aid and loans to Egyptian President Abdelfattah al-Sisi, it is crucial to reflect on a pressing question: what do the owner of Egypt’s largest dairy and juice producer, the country’s former top auditor and anti-corruption advocate, and a group of peaceful protesters brandishing a sign that reads “You made us hungry, Sisi” have in common? The chilling answer is that all have been imprisoned simply for voicing dissent against the Egyptian government’s economic policies.
Currently, Egypt is grappling with a severe economic crisis, marking the third instance in the past 11 years where it seeks assistance from the international community. Despite receiving approximately €140 billion since 2013, the living conditions for the majority of Egyptians have continued to decline, necessitating further loans and bailouts to keep the nation afloat. Instead of witnessing positive change, Egyptians have observed the squandering of tens of billions on extravagant vanity projects.
The question looms: who holds the government accountable for these missteps? The harsh reality is that authorities have systematically and brutally repressed peaceful dissent, nearly eradicated independent media and civil society, stifled political opposition, enacted repressive legislation, imprisoned tens of thousands of those perceived as critics, and severely compromised the independence of both the judiciary and the legal profession.
Funding Pledge Rubberstamps ‘Golden Age’
This oppressive environment has contributed to the government’s failure to respect, protect, and fulfill the social and economic rights of its citizens. As millions confront increasing hunger and economic hardship, the options of protest or migration are stifled by an exceedingly repressive security apparatus.
In a Europe where recent elections have been overshadowed by concerns regarding migration, the situation in Egypt warrants significant attention. With a population exceeding 110 million, Egypt stands at the nexus of a highly unstable region, sharing borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and Palestine. Nonetheless, Egyptian authorities have consistently touted the country’s stability and its capability to manage irregular migration towards Europe.
In May 2024, when the Egyptian economy appeared on the brink of collapse, it was not surprising that the EU felt compelled to intervene. The recent announcement by President Ursula von der Leyen of €7.4 billion in EU loans and funding marks the beginning of a new “golden age” in relations between Egypt and the EU. The EU’s acknowledgment of the importance of human rights and the rule of law as foundational to economic prosperity is commendable. EU regulations stipulate that financial assistance to third countries is contingent upon “respect for human rights and effective democratic mechanisms … and rule of law.”
No Respect for Human Rights Without Pressure
However, in the case of Egypt, the council decision governing the financial aid has adopted more lenient requirements, merely stipulating that Egypt “demonstrates” that it “continues to make concrete and credible steps towards … effective democratic mechanisms, including rule of law … and guaranteeing respect for human rights.”
While the UN, various human rights organizations, and even the US government dispute the notion that Egypt has made any tangible or credible reforms, Amnesty International, alongside 15 prominent Egyptian and international human rights organizations, has urged the EU and its member states to ensure that the EU-Egypt deal aligns with EU law and contributes positively to addressing the root causes of economic instability.
- First, the memorandum of understanding governing the transfer of funds must outline a comprehensive roadmap for structural reforms, complete with clear, specific, and time-bound indicators, targets, and benchmarks for Egypt to fulfill its human rights obligations. Without genuine pressure, the Egyptian authorities will remain reluctant to implement any meaningful reforms.
- Second, EU leaders must insist that Egyptian authorities immediately and unconditionally release all individuals detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights. Until the government ceases its imprisonment of dissenters, it will persist in the same policies that have precipitated its ongoing economic crisis.
- Third, the EU must ensure that Egyptian authorities open up civic and political space by upholding the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, particularly in the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2025 parliamentary elections. Failure to address these issues will enable the government to continue implementing repressive laws and operate without oversight, leading to similarly devastating consequences.
Spending the Money in Line with EU Law
Finally, the European Parliament must play an active role, regardless of the political affiliations of its members. At the forefront, it must protect its oversight responsibilities. The European Council and Commission have opted to bypass parliamentary approval for €1 billion, citing “urgent” financial needs in Egypt under article 213 of the EU treaty, despite the fact that this deal was announced after the UAE pledged €30 billion to Egypt.
As the EU prepares to allocate billions to a neighboring country, members of parliament have a duty to their constituents to ensure that these funds are utilized in accordance with EU law. The EU possesses both the responsibility and the opportunity to guide Egypt towards a more positive trajectory. Should it fail to do so, we will find ourselves engaged in the same discussions, while Egyptians continue to bear the burden of suffering.
Hussein Baoumi is a Foreign Policy Advocate at Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office (EIO).
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World
Dominique Pelicot Testifies in Harrowing Rape Trial
Join us as Dominique Pelicot courageously testifies in a harrowing rape trial, shedding light on the complexities of trauma and justice. Her powerful story raises crucial questions about the legal system and the importance of support for survivors.
Dominique Pelicot Takes the Stand in Shocking Rape Trial
In a courtroom drama that has captivated France and garnered international attention, Dominique Pelicot, the man at the center of a harrowing rape trial, finally addressed the court. With tears streaming down his face, he recounted how his wife had been instrumental in helping him cope with a tumultuous past marked by trauma. He revealed that he had endured a sexual assault at the tender age of nine while hospitalized, and he also witnessed a gang rape during his teenage years while working as an apprentice electrician on a construction site.
“She didn’t deserve this, I acknowledge that,” Mr. Pelicot stated, his voice barely audible as he struggled to convey his emotions. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the courtroom fell silent, straining to catch his every word.
Now 71 years old, Mr. Pelicot faces serious allegations of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, whom he has been married to for half a century, over a span of nearly ten years. Prosecutors contend that he used drugs to render her comatose, allowing him to rape her repeatedly. Furthermore, authorities allege that he went so far as to invite numerous men into their home, facilitating a nightmarish scenario where they, too, engaged in the assault of his wife.
Overall, 51 men, including Mr. Pelicot, are on trial concurrently, primarily facing charges related to the aggravated rape of Ms. Pelicot. Among them, one individual has already pleaded guilty to similar crimes, admitting to drugging his own wife to assault her and inviting Mr. Pelicot to partake in the horrific act while she was incapacitated.
Mr. Pelicot’s unexpected testimony came after a tumultuous start to the trial. Just a week in, he was stricken with severe health issues that forced him to miss four consecutive days in court. The head judge ultimately decided to postpone proceedings, as Mr. Pelicot was diagnosed with kidney stones, a kidney infection, and prostate complications, adding yet another layer of complexity to this already harrowing case.
World
Meta Bans Russian State Media Outlets from Social Media Platforms
Explore the implications of Meta’s decision to ban Russian state media outlets from its social media platforms. Understand the impact on information dissemination and the ongoing battle against misinformation in the digital landscape.
Meta Imposes Global Ban on Russian State Media Outlets
In a significant move, Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has announced the prohibition of Russian state media outlets, including RT (Russia Today) and Rossiya Segodnya, from all its social media platforms. The decision stems from the company’s concerns regarding the deceptive strategies employed by these media organizations to execute covert influence operations across the internet.
Meta made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the ban will be enforced worldwide across its various platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The rollout of this ban is expected to take place over the coming days.
Statement from Meta
A spokesperson for Meta elaborated on the decision, stating, “After careful consideration, we have expanded our ongoing enforcement actions against Russian state media outlets. As a result, Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other affiliated entities are now banned from our applications globally due to their involvement in foreign interference activities.”
For further insights into this development, watch the video in the player above.
World
Trump Recalls Alleged Assassination Attempt While Golfing
Explore Donald Trump’s chilling recollection of an alleged assassination attempt he experienced while enjoying a round of golf. Delve into the tense moments and his reflections on safety, fame, and the unpredictability of public life.
In a recent interview on the social media platform X, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recounted a harrowing incident he claims to have experienced while playing golf. Trump described how, during a peaceful Sunday morning round with friends, the tranquility of the day was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire in the air.
“It was a beautiful day, everything was just perfect,” Trump reflected. “Then all of a sudden, we heard shots being fired—probably around four or five in total.” He went on to explain that a Secret Service agent was the first to spot the suspect, who was allegedly armed with an AK-47, a powerful assault rifle.
“The agent saw the barrel of the weapon and immediately took action, returning fire at the barrel and aiming in the direction of the bushes,” Trump detailed. “I would have loved to have sunk that last putt, but we decided it was best to leave the scene promptly.”
Trump expressed his gratitude towards the agents and a vigilant civilian who aided in tracking down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended following a high-speed chase.
Suspect Faces Multiple Federal Gun Charges
The FBI has identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, accusing him of targeting Trump during his time at the golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to an FBI report, Routh had allegedly hidden among the hedges of the golf course for an astonishing 12 hours. Authorities discovered an SKS-style assault rifle, a GoPro camera, and a bag of food at the scene.
The 58-year-old Routh is now facing two serious federal gun charges. If convicted on both counts, he could face a combined maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Notably, neither of the charges is directly related to an assassination attempt. The first charge pertains to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction, which carries a potential 15-year sentence, a fine of $250,000 (€225,000), and three years of supervised release.
The second charge involves possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which could result in a five-year prison term, the same financial penalties, and also three years of supervised release. As the investigation continues, additional charges could be forthcoming.
While the motive behind Routh’s actions remains unclear, his digital footprint reveals strong political affiliations, particularly concerning issues surrounding Ukraine and China. Routh consistently expressed support for Ukraine across various social media platforms, even claiming to have orchestrated a recruitment scheme for international volunteers aiming to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. This behavior has been denounced by Ukrainian soldiers and members of the International Legion, who disavowed Routh’s actions and motives.
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