Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, has condemned the recent upsurge in violence in Egypt and appealed for all sides to refrain from violence ahead of what is expected to be another turbulent weekend.

Crowe also stated his concern at the closing of the Rafah Crossing, which connections Egypt and Gaza, and the negative effect this is having on the already impoverished and illegally blockaded Palestinians living there.

Deputy Crowe said:

“I am profoundly concerned at recent events in Egypt and the rising death toll of innocent civilians.

“Sinn Féin is strongly opposed to the military coup and the intervention of the Egyptian military into political life. Governments should be appointed and removed from office by democratic means and this type of intervention is unacceptable.

“I am calling for restrictions on political activity to be removed so that all sections of society can play their rightful role in society and can press their case democratically.

“Democratic governance needs to be immediately restored in Egypt and I condemn the suppression of political activities of particular parties and the arrest and imprisonment of political leaders and activists.

“I am equally concerned about the effects of the developments in Egypt on the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip.

“Closure or even increased restrictions on travel through the Rafah Crossing can only add to the terrible suffering of an innocent people, already victims of foreign occupation and subject to a merciless siege preventing access to the most basic goods and services.

“The Rafah Crossing must be reopened immediately so that the free flow of people, goods and services, subject only to appropriate immigration and customs examination, can be restored.”

ENDS