Americans, Foreign Pro-Democracy Activists Exit Egypt, Easing Crisis

Seven Americans on trial over charges their pro-democracy groups fomented unrest have flown out of Egypt after the US posted nearly $5 million in bail for them and nine others who managed to leave before a travel ban was imposed. Thursday’s departure of the seven eased a deep diplomatic crisis between the US and Egypt that had been building for two months, following a crackdown on pro-democracy and human rights groups by the Egyptian government. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland expressed relief that the Americans were free, but she pointedly noted that no decision has been made about US aid to Egypt. As the crisis unfolded over the past two months, furious officials, including Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, warned the $1.3 billion in military aid and $250 million in economic assistance slated for Egypt this year was in jeopardy. Nuland pointed out Thursday that the court case against the pro-democracy groups is not over. The 16 Americans facing charges are not expected to return to Egypt, but their trial has not been called off. After the first session Sunday, it was adjourned until April, and that ruling still stands.

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