Q: Alaa Abdel Fattah, a central figure in the Egyptian uprising of 2011, has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment by a special court for ?spreading false news?. Two other activists were sentenced to four years in prison on the same charges. Do you believe this trial was fair and the rights of the defence were fully respected, two points on which you have said you remain ?mindful??
A: We have noted with concern the heavy sentences handed down yesterday regarding the situations of Alaa Abdel Fattah, Mohamed al-Baqer et Mohammed Ibrahim, alias ?Oxygen?. France yesterday reiterated its commitment to the freedom and security of all those whose expression contributes to the public debate, all over the world. In this respect, France recalls that an active civil society is the best bulwark against radicalization and terrorism.