The US State Department has expressed disappointment at Monday’s prison sentence handed to prominent activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, lawyer Mohamed El Baqer, and blogger Mohamed “Oxygen” Ibrahim, but played down the prospect of taking diplomatic action, with spokesperson Ned Price emphasizing the importance of the two countries’ relationship in a press briefing. Price emphasized Egypt’s role in ensuring regional stability, but also noted that “human rights is a topic of discussion” in “just about every senior-level engagement” between the US and the Sisi administration. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez said at a press conference with Asharq Al Awsat that it was “not appropriate” for politicians to comment on court rulings.