The storming of the Egyptian Press Syndicate's building by the Egyptian security forces on the 1st of May is a worrying development, and continues a trend of restricting space for civil society and the freedom of expression,  as manifested by the high number of arrests following the April protests.
Freedom of assembly and press freedom are essential for democracy, to guarantee that all peaceful voices are heard and respected.

Those detained for expressing their opinion should be released and the law regulating assembly should be brought in line with the Egyptian Constitution.