Hague lashes out at Egyptian ‘repression’
By Ian Dunt
William Hague has hit out at Egyptian “repression”, as police fire tear gas on protestors in Cairo.
The comments come as the country goes through an almost unprecedented period of instability. Protestors against president Hosni Mubarak have taken inspiration from the movement in neighbouring Tunisia.
“People involved have legitimate grievances,” the foreign secretary told the BBC.
“It’s very important for the authorities to respond positively to that. That’s the answer to these situation rather than repression.
“It doesn’t help to suppress people’s right to freedom of expression. Suppressing that will not in any case resolve these problems in a long term basis.”
The disorder is centred in Cairo, Alexandria and Suez. At least one protestor has been killed.
Tear gas and water cannons have been used to disperse the crowds, who gathered after Friday prayers to demonstrate against the government over heavy-handed policing and economic hardship.
A crackdown occurred overnight against the Muslim Brotherhood, the most powerful opposition group but one which has only just joined the protests, which started on January 25th.
Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed El Baradei was arrested upon his arrival to Egypt today. His whereabouts are unknown.
The internet has been brought down by the authorities to prevent demonstrators coordinating and a curfew is thought to be in force.
