The most recent attack, by unidentified assailants, comes in the context of a worrying rise in arrests and attacks on human rights defenders, journalists and political opponents of the ruling party. The general trend was criticised last week by the spokesperson of EU high representative Federica Mogherini as endangering progress in improving democracy and the rule of law in Egypt.
PES president Sergei Stanishev said:
“We stand fully alongside our friends and comrades in Egypt in rejecting all forms of violence. Such attacks, whether organised, encouraged or merely tolerated by the authorities, have no place in a modern democracy.
“The recent increase in attacks and arrests targeting opposition politicians as well as journalists is deeply worrying. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and speak out against any further deterioriation in the rule of law.
“I send my best wishes to those injured in the most recent attack, wishing them a speedy recovery.”
The attack has also been condemned by PES observer party Ettakol from Tunisia, and fellow members of the Social Democratic Forum in the Arab World.
