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Coptic activist: Muslim Brotherhood is protecting democracy

February 5, 2014 at 10:00 am

The founder of the anti-coup Coptic Egyptian Movement, Rami Jan, has described the Muslim Brotherhood as protectors of democracy and the legal rulers of Egypt.


Jan attended a talk show with several pro-coup guests and presenter Wael Al-Ibrashi, when the guests and presenter opened fire on him, criticising Jan’s taking part in the Mr. Egypt competition, a national male beauty pageant held annually in Egypt.

Al-Ibrashi screamed at Jan, saying the “Muslim Brotherhood accuses you of being an infidel.” Jan replied that the when the Muslim Brotherhood was in power, its leaders “proved that they are not against freedoms as all satellite television broadcasts insulted them,” and yet they did not shut the channels down.

Jan added: “They allowed demonstrators to reach the gate of the Presidential Palace, which demonstrators attacked several times with Molotov cocktails, and they never arrested anyone based on false accusations.”

When the guests downplayed Jan’s role in Egypt and asked: “Who are you to speak on behalf of the Copts?” Jan answered: “I am one of those who contributed to the 25 January revolution and who does not want it to be stolen.”

The Christian activist denounced the claim that popular demonstrations are enough to topple an elected president, saying: “Only 51 per cent of Egyptians voted for Morsi, and it is reasonable that the 49 per cent who did not vote for him want to demonstrate against him.”

He also denied the accusation that he is inciting sectarian violence by establishing his movement. “I simply want to refute the claims that all Copts are with the army and against the Muslim Brotherhood; especially when Pope Twadros supported the coup,” he said.

According to him, like Muslim Egyptians, Christian Egyptians are divided and can be either for or against the military coup.