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.

Through judicial sources, media reports and its lawyer, NDI understands that the case against NGOs in the government's foreign funding investigation has been referred to the Cairo Criminal Court for prosecution. The charges reportedly will be filed against: 19 Americans, five Serbs, two Germans, three Arabs and 14 Egyptians.  We do not know specifically which individuals or organizations have been named.

NDI announced today that it will award its 2012 Madeleine K. Albright Grant to the Women’s Discussion Club of Kyrgyzstan.

The Discussion Club, launched with NDI support in 2006, was one of the first groups in Kyrgyzstan to bring together women from diverse backgrounds and political parties to defend the rights and interests of women nationwide.

Nearly a year after Tunisia’s nationwide protests led to the overthrow of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and inspired uprisings across the Arab world, Tunisians remain proud of their accomplishments and hold high expectations for their new government, according to recent focus group research conducted by NDI.