Arab West Report Egyptian press summaries and media research for dialogue

During a meeting with the Alexandria Judges at their club, Egyptian Mufti Dr. Ali Gomaa stated that new converts to Islam should be handed over to their former religion's authorities. As the statement seemed to cause dismay amongst the attendees, club head Ezzat Agwa decided to end the meeting before scheduled.

Key Words: Ali Gomaa - Kamilia Shehata - The Alexandria Judges - Prophet Mohamed - Ezzat Agwa - Mamdouh Ismail - Muslim Brotherhood - Abu Yehia

Editors Note:

After this summary was published, we received the following note from Dr. Ibrahim Negm, advisor to the Grand Mufti Sheikh Ali Gomaa:

"I am writing you in regards to your summary translation of the Sawt al-Ummah story about Dr. Ali Gomaa's involvement in handing Kamilia Shehata to the church. The Grand Mufti was reported to have allowed this, as Sawt al-Ummah alleges. I just want to draw your attention to the fact that the Grand Mufti never said anything of this sort and that this newspaper's claim about the Grand Mufti is a blatant lie that has no truth to it. Minutes after I read about this, I released a statement denying that the Sheikh said what the newspaper claimed he said. I request that you mention this on your esteemed website in order to give fair reporting to our side of the story. May Allah bless you for the work you do."