A group of six public figures, including politicians and journalists, met with French president François Hollande on Monday to address Egypt’s human rights situation.
The group consisted of former presidential candidate Khaled Ali, former deputy prime minister Ziad Bahaa Eddin, journalist Abdullah Al-Sinawi, journalist and former presidential hopeful Gamila Ismail, MP Mohamed Anwar Al-Sadat, and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University Hala El-Said.
Ali and Ismail questioned Hollande on the balance between human rights and Egyptian-French counterterrorism measures and the countries’ increasing military cooperation, according to statements issued by the two men.
Hollande responded to the Egyptian group’s comments by asserting that Egypt’s security safeguards regional security. However, Hollande stated he emphaised the necessity to protect human rights and that they should not be comprised in the war against terrorism.
Hollande and the public figures met in the residence of the French Ambassador in Cairo Andre Parant. The delegation accompanying Hollande during his visit also attended the meeting.
