Trump speaks with Egypt’s president amid concerns over detained journalists

President Trump on Sunday discussed security issues during a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi amid growing concerns over an apparent crackdown on journalists in the country.

The White House said the two leaders discussed “Russia and Iran’s irresponsible support of the Assad regime’s brutal attacks against innocent civilians” in Syria, along with “a range of security and economic issues.”

{mosads}The readout of the call went on to say Trump and Sisi “agreed to work together on ending the humanitarian crisis in Syria and achieving Arab unity and security in the region.”

The call comes amid reports that the Egyptian government is cracking down on journalists who are critical of the country’s security forces, saying the act is considered “high treason.”

“If someone defames the army or the police, he is defaming all Egyptians,” Sisi said last week, according to ABC News. “This is not freedom of expression.”

Two journalists were recently detained in the country while reporting on a tramway in Alexandria, The Associated Press reported.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert tweeted on Sunday that Vice President Pence and Secretary of State Tillerson were concerned about the journalists.

The U.S. is concerned about reports of two journalists being detained in #Egypt. The freedom of expression, including for members of the press, is a fundamental pillar for any democratic society.

— Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) March 4, 2018

Both the @VP and Secretary Tillerson have underscored the issue of #humanrights in recent meetings with Egyptian officials. They’ve talked about detention and other areas of great concern to the U.S. and people who care about freedom.

— Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) March 4, 2018

The protection & promotion of #humanrights & the vital role of civil society in #Egypt is critical, particularly w/ presidential elections upcoming. As we do around the world, we urge govts to respect their obligations and commitments to uphold these important rights.

— Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) March 4, 2018