By Coptic Solidarity –
(Washington, DC) June 14, 2017
An Egyptian delegation composed of twelve Members of Parliament affiliated with five Parliamentary Committees is visiting Washington, DC this week to meet with White House officials, Members of Congress, and other policy experts in an attempt to alleviate concerns over the massive crackdown on civil society in Egypt amidst its battle against terrorism.
This high-level lobbying effort, coordinated by Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, is part of a broader effort to gain financial support under the guise of its anti-terrorism initiatives and to convince US officials that this vast crackdown on civil liberties is a necessary price to pay. Egypt’s brutal Internal Security has reportedly hired D.C. firms to improve the government’s image and the delegation trip is likely part of this comprehensive strategy.
The delegation’s trip coincides with Coptic Solidarity’s 8th Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. on June 15-16, 2017. The conference theme is Egypt: Combating Terrorism Without Sacrificing Civil Right. It is the leading annual policy event in Washington D.C. on Coptic issues that brings together top legislators, academics, and policy experts to share their views and recommendation on this sharply contested theme.
This substantial crack down on civil liberties coincides with a sharp rise in attacks against Copts as the government has largely failed to protect them or to address the culture of hate and impunity which has become entrenched in every level of government and society in a systemic persecution.
The result of this failure is reflected in the increase in homegrown attacks against Copts by Islamists which have risen to unprecedented levels in the past three years and morphed into large scale attacks such as the bombing of St. Peter and Paul Church, the twin Palm Sunday bombings in Tanta and Alexandria, and most recently the bus attack on Coptic pilgrims to St. Samuel Monastery in southern Egypt.
Confirmed conference speakers include U.S. and foreign legislators, government officials, policy makers, public figures, think tanks, academics, media personalities, authors, NGO’s and advocates. View confirmed speaker list and program.
Coptic Solidarity’s Annual Policy Day will be hosted in the House Visitor Center on June 15th in room 201 from 9 AM – 5PM and the conference will continue its second day at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel on June 16th from 9AM – 4PM, for a full day program. Register today.
A silent auction and gala dinner celebrating Egyptian and Coptic culture will be hosted on June 16 starting at 5PM at the Key Bridge Marriott Hotel. The dinner with keynote speaker U.S. Ambassador John Bolton will start at 6 PM. Tickets can be purchased on the website.
The conference is open to the public and press.
Coptic Solidarity is an organization seeking to help minorities, particularly the Copts, of Egypt and we support those in Egypt working for democracy, freedom, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Egyptian citizens. It advocates in cooperation with the affiliated organizations in Canada and in Europe (Solidarité Copte). For more information, contact Lindsay Griffin at 801-512-1713 or coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org
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http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/egyptian-government-delegation-visit-to-dc-coincides-with-coptic-solidarity-conference-on-civil-rights-300473639.html
