Religious freedom and freedom of expression

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is worried that the Egyptian media and state-funded mosques are increasingly encouraging sectarian violence in Egypt. In particular, USCIRF Chair Leonard Leo expressed his concern over sectarian violence against minorities, especially Christians. He called upon the Egyptian government to stop discrimination against non-Muslims and Muslim minorities, such as Qur'ānists.

Key Words: U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom – Leonard Leo

The article says that Egypt received the lowest mark in religious freedom according to the International Religious Freedom report issued by the United States Department of State. The report criticized the government’s discrimination against Copts in particular, along with Bahā’īs and Shiites. The report also criticized the government’s continuous failure to issue a unified law for building places of worship. Anti-Semitism in the media was also addressed. The report also praised President Muhammad Husnī Mubārak’s speech last January in which he said that causers of fitnah tā’ifīyah have no place in a secular state. The report criticized various European countries for suppressing Muslims.

Key Words: United States Department of State - President Muhammad Husnī Mubārak – Naj‘ Hammādī – Hillary Clinton – Michal Posner

For the first time in history, all three Egyptian Churches welcomed the American Religious Freedom report, which states that Christians are discriminated against in Egypt. The report places Egypt in the "Black List” for ignoring previous criticism. Leaders of different denominations (besides Sunni Islam), are quoted as supporting the report and giving examples of how they are discriminated against.

Key Words: Pope Shenouda III - Dr. Safwat al-Bayādī – Father Rafīq Greish – Kamāl Zākhir – Dr. Ra’ūf Hindī – Dr. Ahmad Rāsim al-Nafīs

The Azhar spokesperson Muhammad Rafā‘ah al-Tahtāwī announced that an official statement will be issued today in response to the Danish foreign minister’s reluctance to apologize for the cartoons offending Islam and its prophet Muhammad. The Azhar media spokesman Mahmūd ‘Abd al-Jawwād, said that he expressed the Danish Prime Minister’s disapproval of the cartoons, yet did not apologize.

Key Words: Muhammad Rafā‘ah al-Tahtāwī – The Azhar – Denmark – Muhammad (Prophet) – Mahmūd ‘Abd al-Jawwād

At an event held by the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ali Gomaa explained that according to Islam, people are free to believe in whichever religion they choose. He said that according to the Koran, apostasy is punishable by God alone on judgment day.

Key Words: Grand Mufti - Ali Gomaa - Mohamed Shaker - President of The Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs - Dr.Magdi Yacoub - The Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation

This article discusses yet another instance of religious differences straining marriage unions.