IRI Statement on Egypt’s Decision to Lift the Travel Restrictions on IRI Employees

March 1, 2012 Washington, DC

An Egyptian court lifted the travel restrictions on employees of IRI, the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Center for Journalists and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation allowing them to leave the country and return home to their families. IRI welcomes this decision and is hopeful that the charges against its expatriate and local Egyptian staff will be dismissed.

“IRI views the decision as a positive development but remains very concerned about the situation and our Egyptian employees along with the continuing investigations of Egyptian civil society groups and the impact it will have on Egypt’s ability to move forward with the democratic transition that so many Egyptians have sought.”