Ban Ki-moon criticizes Egyptian convictions
UNITED NATIONS, June 7 (UPI) -- The conviction of human rights workers in Egypt is a sign the country is becoming less respectful of human rights, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says.
Ban commented Thursday on Egypt's decision to draft a law on non-governmental organizations. He said any new law "should conform to international human rights standards, and respond to the aspirations of the people."
"The secretary-general reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations to work alongside the government and the people of Egypt in support of the country's democratic transition, development and prosperity," a U.N. statement said.
The Cairo criminal court found 43 employees of non-governmental organizations guilty Tuesday under a law dating from the regime of President Hosni Mubarak. Egyptians were given suspended sentences but foreigners who had remained in the country could be imprisoned.