An Egyptian democracy activist who has worked with pro-Israel figures was sentenced in absentia to two years in prison.
The sentence handed down against Saad Eddin Ibrahim was for “harming the country’s interests.”
“We are disappointed by the recent conviction in Egypt of democracy activist Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim,” the U.S. State Department said last week after the Aug. 2 sentence. “We strongly advocate – in all countries – the protection of civil and political rights, including freedom of speech and due process.”
Ibrahim, who also holds American citizenship, advocates increased Western assistance for pro-democracy activists such as himself. He has not visited Egypt since last year, fearing arrest. He already served 10 months in Egyptian prisons in the early 2000s.
Ibrahim has appeared frequently at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a pro-Israel think tank.
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