News

Latest News

Rubio Statement on Egyptian President Enacting Repressive NGO Law

May 31, 2017 | Press Releases

Pensacola, FL- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi enacted a repressive NGO law that was passed by the Egyptian Parliament last year:

“I am alarmed Egyptian President el-Sisi enacted the draconian law that imposes severe restrictions on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Egypt. This law is a direct attack on independent civil society in Egypt and will make it nearly impossible for charities, human rights groups, and other NGOs to function without government interference.

“This law will have a terrible impact on Egypt’s ability to make sincere and difficult reforms. It will also have implications for the U.S.-Egypt relationship. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds foreign military financing and other foreign assistance, I will work with my colleagues to ensure Congress takes the el-Sisi government’s actions into full consideration.”

In a floor speech last month, Rubio highlighted the declining human rights situation in Egypt and urged el-Sisi to reject this anti-NGO measure.