The raid carried out by the Egyptian security forces last night on Anadolu Agency (AA) Cairo Office and the detention of some of the office staff is an act of harassment and intimidation against the Turkish media, which we strongly condemn.

This act carried out against AA reveals once again not only the negative approach of the Egyptian administration towards freedom of press, but also its grave situation in terms of democracy and transparency.

Western countries, which seem to be sensitive on such issues as media and freedom of expression, have a share in this reckless attitude as they overlook these violations by Egypt.

We expect the Egyptian authorities to immediately release the detained staff of Anadolu Agency Cairo Office, one of whom is our citizen.