NDI received confirmation today that investigative judges have recommended that charges be brought against 15 of its Egypt-based employees. A statement released by Judge Ashraf Al-Ashmawy indicates that the investigation is concluded and that charges are likely to be brought against four Egyptians, five Americans, three Serbians, one Romanian and two Lebanese. The anticipated charges are managing an unlicensed nongovernmental organization and receiving foreign funds without the approval of the Egyptian government.
NDI denies the accusations and will vigorously defend the accused personnel.
NDI applied for registration through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2005 and has fulfilled all of the registration requirements for the past six years, including a number of updates provided in January. NDI conducts all of its nonpartisan activities in Egypt in an open and transparent manner, and has cooperated fully with this probe.
