Intellectuals protest against the Islamization of Egyptian culture
Cairo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Intellectuals, writers, journalists, filmmakers, and celebrities are protesting against the Islamization of Egyptian culture. Since last June 5th hundreds of people have been stationed in front of the Ministry of Culture, to demand the resignation of the new Minister Alaa Abdel Aziz accused of firing dozens of officials for no reason other than the fact they were not linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
Among the protesters who have joined the sit-in is novelist Sonallah Ibrahim, famous
for having refused a prestigious State award in 2003, because of his opposition
to the Mubarak regime, the director Khaled Youssef, known for his constant
opposition to the Muslim Brotherhood , film producer Mohamed al-Adl and actors Nabil
al-Halfawy, Mahmoud Qabil and Sameh al-Seriety, the poet Sayed Hegab and the
important novelist Bahaa Taher.
The event comes after the three-day strike organized by the employees of Cairo Opera
against the policies of Abdel Aziz.
On 7 May the President Mohamed Morsi presented the members of the new government
cabinet, handing nine ministries to political personalities affiliated to his Freedom
and Justice Party. Morsi appointed Ahmed Issa Ahmed, an expert on Islamic and Coptic
culture as Minister of Antiquities. The choice contrasts with the custom that has
always attributed its management of the national ministry for culture to internationally
recognized intellectuals and experts in Egyptian archeology.
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