Muslim Brotherhood Hostility Towards Christians Worsens, Claims Evangelical Leader
Rev. Refaat Fikri, Chairman of the Media Board of the Evangelical Synod, revealed that the situation of Copts under the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood is getting worse, and it is expected to become increasingly worse with the rise of Islamic fundamentalism.
Rev. Fikri commended the sentencing of Abu Islam to 11 years in prison on charges of contempt of Christianity, incitement to strife and disturbing the public security, but he noted he has reservations that the judgment was not final and can be challenged and refuted.
Rev. Fikri called for justice in all issues of blasphemy, whether against Christianity or Islam.
"The verdict did not make Abu Islam retract his provocative and hostile remarks, and he attacked the church and Copts over a telephone call with a TV program yesterday," Rev. Fikri told Mideast Christian News.
Commenting on the Islamists' threats to Copts to dissuade them from participating in the demonstrations on June 30, which demand overthrowing President Mohamed Morsi, Rev. Fikri noted that the threats target all Egyptians, including Copts who are a part of Egyptian society, to foil the demonstrations.
"The Egyptian people have proved that they have a lot of rebels that will not pay attention to such threats," Rev. Fikri added.
Rev. Fikri wished success for the demonstrations scheduled for June 30 to bring about real change, and is hoping that they do not turn violent.