While the entire world watches and awaits the outcome of Egypt’s presidential election -- the first one of the new “democratic era” of Egypt -- Islamic law or Sharia plays a leading role in the post-Mubarak period.
The Sharia, formerly guaranteed by the 2nd amendment of the Mubarak constitution and the cause of non-Muslim oppression, continues to be the basis of Egypt’s justice system which has brought about this most recent court ruling against Coptic Christians.
The Incident – April 18, 2011
A Coptic man’s mistake or indiscretion on behalf of his family’s safety and well-being in the aftermath of the revolution instigated an angry mob of Muslims to take the law into their own hands in an incident occurring in April last year. The sudden appearance of an unofficial, citizen-built speed bump on a road in front of a Copt’s home in a rural county (Abu Kurcaz) incited a violent reaction by Muslims driving by.
For three days, Muslim gangs used Molotov cocktails and other weapons to attack Coptic homes and farms, resulting in the killing of two men and the injuring of four others. Businesses were destroyed and farm animals were burned. Law enforcement rounded up those who attacked, as well as those defending their lives and property, and placed them all in jail – a total of 20 people awaited trial in a prison cell for more than one year.
Muslim violence against non-Muslim citizens is justified by the Sharia which is based on Koranic doctrinal verses such as, “Allah will never grant the disbelievers a way over the believers,” (4:141) and furthered by schooling young Egyptian children in the divisive Islamic belief system where Muslims are superior.
The Minya court verdict – May 22, 2012
More than a year later and after Egypt’s pro-democracy revolution voided its constitution and the Sharia and a supposed takeover by freedom fighters, this verdict in favor of Muslim criminals over the innocent victims in the case gives little hope for the direction Egypt will take.
The court ruling ordered the release of all Muslims involved. Every victim, all Copts, were sentenced to 25 years in prison. The Copts were found guilty for defending their properties and families, and the Muslims, prompted to shed blood by the presence of a speed bump, were found innocent.
Conclusion
Voice of the Copts condemns sectarian violence, justification of it by the Sharia and administration of it by the court system. The future for Coptic Christians of Egypt will only get worse as pro-Sharia Muslim Brotherhood gain control.
(Dr. Architetto Ashraf Ramelah is Founder and President of The Voice of Copts)