Egypt Coptic Persecution Could Rise Under New Constitution, Warns Political Activist
Sherif Sabaawi, a political activist and a member of the Canadian Liberal Party, warned that the new proposed constitution in Egypt could lead to continued persecution of Copts and other religious minorities.
"The articles in the new Egyptian constitution pave the way for the persecution of Copts, as well as other minorities, in Egypt," Sabaawi said on a statement.
Egypt's Coptic Christians do not seek personal gain, he said, but only call for a civil state where there is equality among citizens.
"It's weird that the minority of members in the drafting committee can have control over the drafting of the constitution, such as Al-Nour party." Sabaawi told Youm7 news.
He said Bishop Paula's threats to withdraw from the committee are a result of the inclusion of articles that do not meet Copts' demands, in terms of achieving equality in rights and duties in Egypt.
Copts do not demand a quota solely for themselves, but rather for all other religious and ethnic minorities and are pleading with members of the committee to remember the heavy price paid by Copts, ever since the January revolution, he said.