President Mohamed Morsy said he would not allow what he called saboteurs to offend the revolution, pledging not to allow attacks on places of worship.
“I reject exceptional measures and the supression of freedoms of Egyptians,” he said Saturday.
Speaking during a meeting with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina’s board of trustees Sunday, Morsy said “despite challenges and economic and social hardships, I assure the whole world that we firmly reject harming freedoms of citizens.”
“We reject any forms of discrimination based on gender, color or religion, as stated in the new Constitution,” the president said.
Morsy’s statements come one week after killing of seven people Muslims and Copts amid sectarian violence in Khosous, after what was allegedly graffiti painted on an Al-Azhar-affiliated building reportedly offended some residents.
The incidents sparked criticism from politicians and activists against the president’s office and the security sector’s performance in dealing with sectarian tensions. During a funeral last Sunday for four Coptic victims of the violence at St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbasseya, Cairo, unknown assailants attacked the historic Coptic landmark.
“Everyone is equal before law and Constitution. We will not allow assault against places of worship,” Morsy added, saying he represented “all categories” of Egyptians.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
