Q: Do you concur with the German Foreign Ministry's statement that the September 20 [sic] verdict for three human rights activists in Egypt ?will show where the human rights situation is heading? in that country, which says it has launched a ?new strategy for human rights??
R: France reiterates its commitment to human rights in Egypt. This issue is brought up regularly at the highest levels as part of the candid, rigorous dialogue France maintains with the Egyptian authorities, as are individual cases. In this regard, France is very closely following the trial of Alaa Abd-El Fattah, Mohammed El-Baqer and Mohamed Ibrahim and will be paying close attention to whether the rights to a defense and a fair trial are fully respected. France reaffirms its commitment to the freedom and security of all those worldwide whose speech contributes to the public debate.