(AFP Photo)
The Copts Without Chains movement called on all Coptic Christians in the Shura Council on Sunday to withdraw from their positions. The movement said in a statement the Christians in the Shura Council, “out of respect to themselves and the blood of the martyrs”, should resign
The statement said there is no reason for Christians to remain in the Shura Council unless they aim to “cover up the crimes committed by the Muslim Brotherhood”.
The movement said the Copts’ participation in devising laws which undermine other Egyptians for their own personal gains is unforgivable and reminiscent of the Biblical Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for silver.
The statement said the Shura members of parliament should show more respect for the “blood of the martyrs, and rest assured that we will not allow any of you to claim you represent us after today”.
Ibram Luis, the spokesperson for the movement and founder of the Association for Victims of Abductions and Enforced Disappearances, said the group will be making a number of media appearances in the next few days in order to apply pressure on the Coptic MPs. “If the current situation continues then we will hold protests in front of the Shura Council in order to demand their resignation,” Luis said.
“I have tried a number of times, especially in regards to the kidnapping of a young minor, to approach the Shura Council and especially the Coptic MPs, but they ignore our calls.”
Luis listed Nadia Henry as one such example. Henry is a member of the Shura Council who recently said she was resigning. Despite her announcement she later said she would return to work in the Council. “Henry has consistently ignored us and continues to ignore us,” Luis said.
Luis agreed that Coptic representation in the Shura Council is needed, “but they have not fulfilled the role required of them in representing the Copts and the church in the council”. He pointed at the recent passage of the sukuk law as one such example where Copts in the council have ignored Coptic interests.
