EU calls for release of political prisoners in Egypt

The EU Monday called for the release of political prisoners in Egypt and underlined that the judiciary should be independent. \"Political prisoners should be released and if there are criminal charges brought against people these have to be made clear as soon as possible and in clear terms,\" Michael Mann, spokesman for EU Hign Representative Catherine Ashton, told a news conference. He was replying to a question on reports that ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi is to stand trial on charges of inciting the murder of protesters. \"Of course justice has to always have its course but the independence of the judiciary is a key component in an open and democratic society,\" he added.