The Egyptian House of Representatives has issued a strong response to European Parliament Resolution No. (2883/2023), expressing deep dissatisfaction and concern.
This resolution, dated October 5, 2023, addressed the human rights situation in Egypt, particularly in the case of Hisham Kassem.
The Egyptian House of Representatives considers this resolution as part of a series of unwarranted and baseless attempts by the European Parliament to assert authority beyond its borders, disregarding international conventions against interference in sovereign states' internal affairs.
The Egyptian House of Representatives vehemently rejects this resolution, citing its lack of credibility and impartiality.
Despite the resolution's inherent flaws, the House feels compelled to address some of its points to provide clarity and context.
Regarding the demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Hisham Kassem and the dropping of political charges against him, it's essential to note that this case involved slander against opposition figure Kamal Abu Eita.
Attempts by opposition forces and Egyptian jurists to mediate a resolution were rejected. Additionally, there were charges related to assaulting public officials performing their duties, and all legal measures were taken in accordance with Egyptian criminal law.
Calling for the release of Hisham Kassem interferes with the independence of the Egyptian Judiciary.
This is the same independence that the European Parliament itself advocates for, showcasing double standards and an unacceptable attempt to influence the Egyptian Judiciary ahead of Kassem's appeal, scheduled for October 7, 2023.
Regarding the European Parliament's emphasis on the importance of free and fair elections in Egypt and the call to stop harassing peaceful opposition figures, these allegations lack objectivity and suggest preconceived negative judgments about the electoral process.
The National Elections Authority, responsible for managing elections, has operated impartially, with no reported violations or favoritism.
The resolution also mentions the immediate release of political prisoners, including Alaa Abdel Fattah. Egypt firmly rejects this as an attempt to politicize its judiciary, which upholds justice.
Claims in the resolution about the arrest of seventy-three members of the electoral campaign of potential presidential candidate Ahmed Tantawy are false and lack supporting evidence.
The Egyptian House of Representatives urges the European Parliament to focus on addressing human rights violations within its own member states, including excessive police force against freedom of expression, assembly, racial and religious discrimination, and discrepancies in refugee treatment.
Egypt reaffirms its commitment to building balanced international partnerships, including with the European Parliament. However, these relationships must be based on mutual respect and non-interference.
In conclusion, the Egyptian House of Representatives views the human rights record as a humanitarian matter, not a legal one.
Egypt rejects attempts by international entities to employ it for imposing agendas on sovereign states, contradicting the principles of sovereignty and independence.
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