Press Statement - State Department
Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 29, 2002


Press Statement - State Department, Egypt: Conviction Of Saad Eddin Ibrahim Case


We are deeply disappointed at today s decision by Egypt's State Security Court to convict Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim, an Egyptian and American citizen, of the charges of illegally receiving funds from foreign entities and defaming Egypt. Dr. Ibrahim has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

We have persistently made known our concerns to the Government of Egypt regarding the process that led to this verdict. We have done so both here and in Cairo at the most senior levels, including through our Ambassador in Egypt and the Egyptian Ambassador in Washington.

We will continue to follow Dr. Ibrahim s case closely and press our concerns with the Egyptian authorities. Our Ambassador and consular officials from the Embassy have visited Dr. Ibrahim on a regular basis, and we will continue to maintain consular access.


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Released on July 29, 2002