Protest over Christian persecution in Egypt outside House of Lords

Alexandra Geels
23/4/13

LONDON, UK April 21: Enraged demonstrators condemned persecution of Coptic Christians outside the House of Lords during a protest demonstration organised by Coptic United on Saturday.

Coptic clerics, Human rights activists, leaders of like-minded organisations including Global Minorities Alliance (GMA), a Glasgow-based Human rights organisation’s Chief Executive, Sheraz Khan and others participated in the protest demonstration.

The protesters throughout the demonstration shouted full-throated slogans: “Christian blood isn’t cheap”, “Many killed and not a word said”, “Stop Islamisation of Egypt”, “No Islam by force” “We demand justice” “Where is justice”, “Wake up UK”

Addressing the demonstrators Dr. Ibrahim Habib, head of Coptic United, England accused Egypt President Muhammad Morsi’s regime of not doing anything for the people of Egypt.

He accused the regime of attempts aimed at increasing its power through “undermining” and “destroying” Egypt’s government and civil society structures.

“They brutally oppressed the opposition through police and replaced people in the media and judiciary with their sympathisers”, alleged Habib.

He said: “The constitution which was produced by a majority of them is a shameful document that didn’t reflect the aspirations of the Egyptian people”.

On a December 5 protest last year, Dr. Habib said, police spectated as protesters were tortured and subsequently detained illegally.

He regretted that police reportedly pummelled protesters with rubber bullets.

Dr. Habib’s speech was punctuated with slogans in favour of Coptic Christians and against Morsi’s regime.

The protesters were carrying placards that were inscribed with slogans: “Stop the killing of Christians in Egypt,” “We demand freedom of worship” “Stop culture of impunity against Christians” They are killing us today, who will they kill tomorrow.”

He said at least 20 incidents involving mob sex attacks on female protesters were carried out during the anti-government demonstrations from 20 November 2011 to December 1, 2012.

Dr. Habib criticised Morsi’s regime for lodging lawsuits against media men opposed to government policies.

“Judges who voiced opposition to the Muslims Brotherhood were targeted, suffered ill treatment and were even terminated from their offices”, said Dr. Habib.

Dr. Habib told protesters: “Egypt is being hijacked by the fascist Muslim Brotherhood.

“We are protesting against what is happening to Egypt.

“We are alerting the West to the dangers of the reincarnation of new Nazis in Egypt,” said Dr. Habib.

“We ask the Western governments to stop supporting the Fascist Muslim Brotherhood government in Egypt and help the rebirth of a new Egypt that is diverse, tolerant, progressive and accepts people of different beliefs that can co-exist in harmony, “said Dr. Habib.

Speaking to the demonstrators Sheraz Khan, the Chief Executive of Global Minorities Alliance (GMA) criticised Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi for failing to protect and safeguard rights of Coptic Christians as well as other minorities. He said: “I would have been pleased if members of House of Lords had also stood with us to express their solidarity with the persecuted Coptic Christians.”

Putting a twist on one of the slogans he asked demonstrators: “Could it be that the members of House of Lords also thought that the blood of Egyptian Christians was cheap and that is why they did not turn up”, he asked.

When Mr Khan again asked angry men and women who had rallied opposite the House Lords if Christian blood was cheap to which the demonstrators unanimously yelled, ‘No’

He said no Egyptian president before Muhammad Morsi enjoyed as much legislative powers as Morsi did “and yet he hasn’t been able to deliver.”

Mr. Khan said Muslim Brotherhood was “indifferent” and “apathetic” to the perpetual suffering of the Coptic Christians in Egypt.

Citing statistics from “Morsimeter”, a website which shows a performance chart of Mr. Morsi, Mr Khan said that President Muhammad Morsi could only deliver 10 out of the 64 goals he had set before him when he had assumed the office of the President.

He also criticised Mr. Morsi for sending one of his representatives to the enthronement ceremony of Coptic Pope instead of attending the ceremony himself.

“President Morsi should go home if he cannot deliver equal rights to all Egyptian citizens because this is what he is supposed to do being the President of Egypt.”

“Go Morsi Go, Go Morsi Go”, shouted demonstrators.

Mr Khan listed a catalogue of human rights breaches in Egypt under President Morsi. He criticised the Morsi regime for killing of people outside Ittahidya palace and for harassment of women protesters in the past.

He said it was ironic that Morsi regime blamed women for staging protest demonstrations instead of respecting and acknowledging their democratic right to assemble and protest.

GMA chief was also critical of curbs placed on journalists by the Morsi regime.

He also criticised Morsi for failing to give a proper representation to Coptic Christians in the Upper House of Parliament.

The writer is Director Communications and Media Cell of Global Minorities Alliance and Alliance’s ambassador to the Netherlands. She can be reached at info@globalminorities.co.uk

Global Minorities Alliance
20-23 Woodside Place
Glasgow
G3 7QF
United Kingdom
Contact number: (0044) 141 250 7293

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