Presidential hopeful Abdel Moneim Abouel Fotouh has described the nomination of former regime figures for the presidential election slated for 23 and 24 May as an "effrontery," warning that such people "will not do Egypt any good."
In an interview Sunday with Al-Nahar satellite channel, the former Muslim Brotherhood member said it would be difficult to pray for mercy for Hosni Mubarak if the outsed leader dies.
"What Egyptians suffered under former President Gamal Abdel Nasser does not count for even 1 percent of what they saw with Mubarak," he said.
Abouel Fotouh said he can forgive Mubarak for his own grievances, but cannot forgive him for the shedding of Egyptians' blood.
The candidate said people have to differentiate between the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and the army that is revered by Egyptians. He explained that people have been demanding the fall of the SCAF's rule, given what they had suffered for 60 years under military leaders.
He also described statements by some presidential hopefuls about the application of Islamic legislation as "improper" and "harmful to the moderate history of Islam."
His dismissal from the Muslim Brotherhood was not a charade, he said, providing as evidence the group's decision to field two candidates: Khairat al-Shater and, after Shater was disqualified, Mohamed Morsy.
Abouel Fotouh had been dismissed for violating the group's earlier decision not to compete for presidency. The Brotherhood has since severely criticized him. Last week, a local leader of the group accused him of being a tool to suppress it.
Abouel Fotouh said he suffered the greatest harm from Brotherhood officials, such as Khairat al-Shater and Mahmoud Ezzat.
