John Kerry: "I am alarmed by the attacks against civil society in Egypt"

◼ Egypt arrests 'slap in the face' for US: Kerry - Agence France Presse

Top US Senator John Kerry warned Egypt's military rulers on Tuesday that the planned trial of pro-democracy activists was a "slap in the face" for America that could damage a vital relationship.

Egyptian justices have announced plans to put dozens of pro-democracy activists, including 19 Americans, on trial over alleged illegal funding to foreign aid groups.

The row has led some US lawmakers to openly question the crucial Egypt-US partnership that has anchored America's Middle East policy for a generation and helped keep the peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.