Statement by Kenneth Wollack President, National Democratic Institute Before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs “Egypt at a Crossroads”

The goal of NDI's democracy programs, said NDI President Kenneth Wollack, "is to support a transparent, democratic process that gives people the freedom to make choices." Wollack was testifying before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs at a hearing entitled "Egypt at a Crossroads." The panel heard from witnesses from the four U.S.-based nongovernmental organizations (NGO) that were raided by Egyptian authorities in December, and that have employees now banned from leaving the country and facing the possibility of trial.

Wollack testified alongside Lorne Craner, president of the International Republican Institute; David Kramer, president of Freedom House; and Joyce Baranthan, president of the International Center for Journalists. Members of the committee asked questions ranging from the NGOs' work in Egypt, the status of the employees in Egypt facing indictment, the makeup of the newly-elected legislature, and the nature of investigation.

"When one looks at an impartial and fair judicious process, this has been anything but," Wollack said.