"Egyptian prosecutors and police raided offices of 17 pro-democracy and human rights groups on Thursday - drawing criticism from the United States which hinted it could review its $1.3 billion in annual military aid.
The official MENA news agency said the groups had been searched in an investigation into foreign funding.
"The public prosecutor has searched 17 civil society organizations, local and foreign, as part of the foreign funding case," MENA cited the prosecutor's office as saying. "The search is based on evidence showing violation of Egyptian laws including not having permits."
Among groups targeted were the local offices of the U.S.-based International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI), a security source and employees at the organizations said.
The U.S. State Department said the raids were "inconsistent with the bilateral cooperation we have had over many years" and urged Egyptian authorities to immediately halt "harassment" of non-governmental organization staff." Reuters
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Yes, I know. The seemingly incomprehensible truth that people are not waiting to be "modern" remains. I doubt if the Egyptians are much worried about their "dole" from the US. They know that the Israe;lis will have us give them the money so long as they stay in the treaty. pl
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/29/us-egypt-groups-idUSTRE7BS0PT20111229
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501713_162-57350122/egypt-rights-groups-blast-raids-on-ngo-offices/
