Egypt Stops Prominent U.S. Rights Activists From Leaving Country

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Michael Posner

Egypt has banned the son of U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and other U.S. citizens from leaving the country amid rising tensions over Egyptian restrictions on the work of international rights organizations.

Secretary LaHood is the most prominent Republican in U.S. President Barack Obama's administration.

His son, Sam LaHood, heads the International Republican Institute in Egypt -- one of 10 organizations raided last month by Egyptian security officials.

Michael Posner, the U.S. State Department's top human rights official, says Cairo's apparent campaign against pro-democracy groups raises concerns about Egypt's transition to democracy after the ouster of former President Hosni Mubarak.

Posner warned the trend could affect future assistance to Egypt, one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid.

compiled from agency reports