Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi weighed in on Wednesday on the discussion surrounding freedom of expression, following a wave of anger at comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron in relation to cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad seen as blasphemous by Muslims. During a speech marking Moulid El-Nabi (the birthday of the Prophet), Egypt’s Sisi called for respect of the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world and their beliefs while also condemning all forms of violence and extremism. “We have the right for our feelings not to be hurt and for our values not to be hurt,” said Sisi during his speech, adding that messages “offending the prophets and messengers [of God]” are “disparaging” and that such actions “should stop when it comes to offending the feelings of more than 1.5 billion people”. “Of the 1.5 billion or more, how many are extremists? One percent? One percent equals 15 million. This is not [the reality] at all,” said Sisi, adding that he categorically rejects any violent or terrorist acts and that the actions of a small minority does not justify offending people’s feelings. “Freedoms are not absolute” The Egyptian President…
Egypt’s Sisi Condemns ‘Minority’ Muslim Extremists, Urges Respect of Muslims
October 29, 2020
