“A diminishing public space for freedom of expression and association” is trend and of concern according to UN human rights office Spokesperson Rupert Colville (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The following Statement was issued: -- - “We have been closely following events in Egypt since the ousting of former President Mubarak and are concerned about what appears to be a diminishing public space for freedom of expression and association. The military trial and jailing of blogger and activist Alaa Abdel-Fatah, after his criticism of security forces’ handling of protests last month, is one such example of an egregious breach of the right to freedom of expression. “Egypt Must Guarantee Full Respect for the Freedom of Expression, Association & Assembly”: “Along similar lines, the restrictive NGO law 84 of 2002 has reportedly been used to investigate human rights groups and their funding sources. The interim authorities in Egypt must guarantee full respect for the freedom of expression, association and assembly, which are particularly crucial to ensure the free and fair conduct of the upcoming elections. “Repeal State of Emergency”: Following our mission to Egypt in April, we called for a repeal of the State of Emergency and the definite cessation of military trials of civilians. It is disappointing to note that neither of these calls have been heeded and we urge the authorities to do so without further delay. Civil society organisations and human rights activists, whose courage and non-violent protest brought about the change of regime in Egypt, must be guaranteed space for open debate, even if it means that the interim authorities are harshly criticised in public fora. To this end, we call for the release of Alaa Abdel-Fateh and all others who have been imprisoned for exercising their fundamental rights to free speech and association.” --- At “Diplomatically Incorrect” we have also wondered if the “revolution” had been derailed as early as this spring: ---“He (UNSG Ban Ki-moon) described the revolutions as “one of the greatest opportunities to advance democracy and human rights in a generation. “This opportunity is precious but at the same time fragile,” he said. “It must be nurtured and carefully handled by the people who created it.” ---“Egypt a Particular Concern The Secretary-General said he was particularly disturbed by the bouts of sectarian violence in Egypt. “After the prolonged display of national unity that led to the peaceful transition of power, it is critical that the Egyptian people maintain that unity of purpose to achieve their democratic aspirations.” The UN chief urged authorities in the two countries to “honor the responsibility and trust they have been given. People went on the streets to call for accountability, democracy, human rights and better prospects… their leaders must work to meet these demands.” From (May 12, 2011) at Diplomatically Incorrect diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/egypt-tunisia-revolutions-lost/27921). Unfortunately though the situation has not improved either in terms of enhancing democratic and personal freedoms nor apparent violence along religious lines. After the unity expressed by much/most of the Coptic and Islamic communities in driving out the Mubarek regime and promote a fresh political beginning, the violence tends to invite a more authoritarian trend from the military council now in charge in Egypt. Read – “UN Calls for Probe of Egypt Clashes” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/un-calls-for-probe-of-egypt-clashes-by-ambassador-mo/36188 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook = Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us at DiplomaticallyX War Crimes Justice Channel - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/war-crimes-justice