MEDIA RELEASE Chairman of the Parliamentary Forum for Democracy condemns Egyptian raids

Egypt’s military rulers have launched a series of armed raids on the offices of democracy promotion groups, including the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute.

“These raids are a very worrying sign” said Emanuelis Zingeris the Lithuanian Chairman of the Parliamentary Forum for Democracy

The Parliamentary Forum for Democracy (PFD) is an international civil organization – made up of around 100 current and former members of parliament - dedicated to strengthening democracy and democratic institutions around the world. “Some of the groups concerned have been working in Egypt for years, and I understand, even under President Mubarak, were never subjected to such aggressive action” said Chairman Zingeris.

“These groups are working to assist democracy in Egypt at this historic moment. Launching raids against them is unacceptable. Egypt is a great country, and the Egyptian military is doing the Egyptian people a great disservice if it is trying to prevent democratic progress” said Chairman Zingeris

The goals of the Parliamentary Forum for Democracy are to stand in solidarity with democrats struggling for freedom around the world, and to use the skills of its members to strengthen democratic parliaments, particularly in new and emerging democracies.

“We remain hopeful that Egypt will remain on the path towards democratisation, and are keen to work with Egyptian parties and civil society groups working to build democracy” said Chairman Zingeris