Senator Bob Casey forcefully condemned the violence by Egyptian security forces against civilian protesters today, and expressed his support for the Egyptian people.

He urged the Egyptian government to respect the right to assemble and to open social networking websites and other lines of communication.

“For decades, the Egyptian people have not been able to express their legitimate grievances through the democratic process.  I would like to express solidarity with the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people, based on the rule of law and the universal declaration of human rights.”

Egypt has been wracked with dissent today, sometimes violent, as frustrated civilians protest the nearly 30-year rule of President Hosni Mubarack.

Casey chairs the Foreign Relations subcommittee that oversees U.S. policy toward Egypt, Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs. He most recently visited Egypt in July 2010.

Below is his full statement:

“I condemn the deplorable violence unleashed against peaceful demonstrators across Egypt and express condolence for the families who have lost loved ones.  I urge the government of Egypt, and especially its security forces, to immediately cease using violence and to allow for the basic right of freedom of assembly.

“For decades, the Egyptian people have not been able to express their legitimate grievances through the democratic process.  I would like to express solidarity with the democratic aspirations of the Egyptian people, based on the rule of law and the universal declaration of human rights.

“As the Chairman of the Senate Internet Freedom Caucus, I am a strong believer in the freedom of expression.   The Egyptian government must open social networking websites in response to these demonstrations.  These lines of communication should remain open and the Egyptian people should have the freedom to speak openly and freely.

“The world is watching, as is the United States Senate.  In light of these unfortunate events, I look forward to working with my colleagues to re-examine the U.S. military assistance package to Egypt.”