The United States says it is concerned by the worsening human rights situation in Egypt.

A State Department spokesman, Ned Price, referred to the detention and harassment of NGO leaders, academics and journalists.

"The United States will stand with brave human rights defenders, journalists and advocates around the world. We believe all people should be allowed to express their political views freely, to assemble and associate peacefully," he said.

He named Hossam Bahgat, the executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, as an example of those who had been wrongly targeted.

Mr Bahgat faces trial for insulting the Egyptian election commission in a tweet.