Egyptian officials outraged over EU human rights resolution

At the European parliament in Strasbourg last Thursday, a resolution was introduced by lawmakers accusing Egypt of having a less than reputable human rights record, Agence France-Presse reported Monday.

Recent allegations of torture and prisoner abuse have spurred Egyptian officials to stand firm in the defense of their country.

The resolution prompted Egyptian Interior Minister Habib al-Adly to make a visit to an Egyptian prison for a groundbreaking chat with prisoners. “Egypt is committed to the protection of human rights in all security areas, including prisons and police stations,” he said.

Human rights advocacy groups beg to differ, though, often citing claims of abuse and torture, along with discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities.

The resolution also called on Cairo to release Egyptian dissident Ayman Nour, who was jailed on dubious charges after campaigning against President Hosni Mubarak in 2005.

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