American Coptic Union's Blog

From Jail, The Egyptian Opposition Leader Sends A Letter To Senator Obama

American Coptic Community-USA — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:54:16 EDT

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American Coptic Union is calling upon Senator Obama, for the Immediate release, and drop all charges against Dr. Aymen Nour, the Opposition Leader in Egypt, The free world should not stay silent about the crimes that committed by the regime of Egypt. Ayman Nour, in a letter to the American Presidential Candidate Senator Barak Obama:

Running Against President Mubarak.
And threatening his dream to bequeath governance
to his son are the true accusations

Dr. Ayman Nour Send,a letter to Senator Barack Obama candidate for the presidency of United States of America which explain the motives of his imprisonment and details of his case and its crisis with Egyptian regime,
Nour also said the speech during a match point with Obama on many issues such as withdrawal from Iraq and the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis and dialogue with Iran and Syria, as well as his vision of democratic reform in Egypt.
And «Egyptian today» publishes the text of Obama's speech to Nour.
Honorable Senator Barak Obama
Appreciate and respect
These lines, which are not confident in the possibility to see the light, I doubt the prospects for their transcripts to you from behind the bars of an ancient prison, in southern Cairo, is perhaps one of the oldest prisons either in Egypt and the Middle East. The author of these lines is a human being almost in your age. Alike you, has been dreaming about change and reform in his country, though the legitimate dreams of our country, turned into «nightmares» dirt!!

Honorable Senator Barack Obama
These lines are written by Dr. Ayman Nur
Born Dec. 5, 1964
He gained a law degree in 1985,
completed «doctorate in 1995», Phd. Degree in constitutional law and work in the areas of the courts ,Journalism, and Human Rights. In addition, established, the Foundations of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights ,It is the oldest and the first organization concerned with monitoring the eligibility of human rights violations in Egypt,.
On 1995 election, ran, and succeeded as the vice «central Cairo» in the Egyptian parliament, represented the most densely populated district, and continued my membership in Parliament until my prison in 2005 «ten years».
On 2004, after the state refused founded four times, I succeeded in founding a liberal Party, the Al-Ghad . On 2005, I ran as a rival to President Mubarak, the first presidential election in Egypt's history, as candidates representing the party which was established by an elected leader. My Party ran the election under the electoral campaign slogan “hope for change” .I came out in the second position among ten parties , following President Mubarak, the current and former President ,1981 2008.Few days later, after elections ended, and specifically on my birthday on Dec. 5, I became prisoner.

The official Charges against me claim that I was aware of forgery of some of thousands of supporters’ power of attorney, which we received from citizens that were required to establish Al-Ghad Party. Egyptian law does not ask more than 50 power of attorney, only 50 of any Egyptian citizen.
Despite the naivety of the charge, and the end corner of interest and logic, the actions of nullity violations parliamentary immunity, the State Security Prosecution preceded the case on behalf of regime for political reasons. Then referred the case to a specific judge, who is specialized in politically motivated cases on convicting opposition leaders, such as, Saad Eddin Ibrahim’s incarceration, and other regime’s opponents in Egypt. Same Judge Rule against me in December 2005 to five years in prison with hard labor, as well as six years of isolation without exercising any profession ,political action, and parliamentary party ,after ruling ends.
The real crime was “dreaming of change” of President Mubarak, who rule Egypt for 27 years. And threatening his dream to bequeath his son to rule Egypt, for another 27 years of solo, and monopolize peaceful transfer of power mechanisms. The formal charge between naïve and fabricated,
The real charge there was a package of government combined with political accusations that sought, and circulated by official governmental media to promote them against me and are all within the framework of promoting the allegation that I supported the United States of America and its Agenda of reform agenda in the region to achieve a model similar of Iraq !!.
The support of these allegations is series of lies, and rumors. Ironically, The only real evidence presented was a denunciation from U.S. Congress and Administration and media about what, my part, and I have gone through , and still being subjected to of tyranny, injustice and maltreatment Honorable Senator Obama
My Real crimes and the crime of the liberal Al-Ghad Party that we are corrupted an old and ongoing formula promoted since 1952. From the regime perspective, the best option available, and the only option in facing of alternative religious movements of political Islam in particular «Muslim Brotherhood» is the current regime and the party that governed Egypt.
Between October 2004 and September 2005’s presidential elections, we have provided an concrete, and shocking evidence example confirms the possibility of success of a civil secular liberal opposition party, to be a third party between the authoritarian despotic State and Islamic movement (Muslim Brotherhood).We provided a young party in replacing an old regime. Young and modern alternative to domesticated marginalized opposition, a reasonable person has the ability to dream and achieved without prejudice to the principle of priority and stability.
We have offered in an election campaign, the first presidential elections in Egypt, in only 18 days old, a model for election campaign that was poorest materially ever. Despite the blatant forgery, terrorism, mutilation and monopoly Sources of funding, information, influence and potential of the State, But the results showed the great abilities to activate the stagnant dreams, and mobilizing young’s energy . Results also were so revealing, that there is an embryo moves and runs when life in the womb of this nation, but in the heart of this region dark tyranny.
Honorable Senator Obama;
What happened to me, not only the murder of my rights as a human being, as a citizen ,or for the right political party to exist, but for the assassination of another dream for potential secular civil reform.
What happened to me, and currently still happening is not personal ill or liquidation of accounts of previous election, but is confiscating, the right of my generation in this nation, and in this region in advance, that inspiring them once again for dreams of a peaceful change of civil reform in light of ”the head of the wolf jumper”.
On the light of the widespread, of denunciation, and disapproval of the regime actions, we admit that we’ve never been alone, and isolated. Parliaments of the free world and the European Parliament «which issued a decision in a violent 2008, as well as by US Congress, American administration, President Bush on reservations on May 2007, in Prague or in May 2008, in Sharm el-Sheikh, and the Foreign Minister, Dr. Condoleezza Rice in a lot of visits to Cairo, all have condemned the regime action. More, came from Secretary of State, after my first and last meeting Dr. Condoleezza Rice during her first visit, which was postponed more than once because I was under arrest. However, the regime in Egypt has addicted to these pressures literary
has always proved its ability to exchange any regional temporary interests and taking advantage of the seasonal nature of these pressures, maximize the fears of American and western, spread a tide model of fundamentalism in some parts the region especially Hamas, maximize the state of permanent tension in the region due to the popular image of democratic reform in light of what is happening in Iraq.
The regime is betting on soft criticisms of the current US administration for its unabated violations exploiting American elections that may require new management for gaining time, and re-arrange priorities, and devote a tyrannical government and bequeath to his son in a world preoccupied the American elections and the expected change in the White House.
Honorable Senator Obama;
AS my generation and I, in Egypt and the Arab region, who look at you as a talented and insinuating the dream of freedom and change aspires them. They want to hear from you now, tomorrow, and in the future, what renew the legitimate dreams of freedom, justice and peace prevails inside them. They seek to see reasons for hope and values of freedom and progress rising over the frustrations, and repression created by despotic dictator, authoritarian regimes long supported by super powers in a trade off between interests and principles .
My generation, and I of reformers in Egypt and the Arab region and the Middle East not only share the values and, sentiments you belong to, but we also share the opinion in much of what you went to in the election campaign, for example: First, in connection with the withdrawal from Iraq, we share the opinion for importance, and responsible withdrawal from Iraq, and not to retain permanent bases that always creates a justification for extremism and terrorism. The Iraqi problem has clearly become a model of a major obstacle facing Arab reformers, where the dictator regimes exploit Iraq model for their own interest, and use it as scarecrow against ordinary people who dream of reform, and freedom

Second, about moving the peace process leading to Palestinian and Israeli states:
The information spread by News Media, on 6/6/2008 considered «Jerusalem», as an issue resolved by negotiations between the two parties. Such approach has renewed hope for all the peoples of the region in reaching a just and definitive solution to this issue that has sapped the energies of the blood of peoples, and opened the door to extremism, terrorism and tyranny.
Third, dialogue with Iran and Syria:
The recent history confirms that the contentious relationship between a sitting President in the Oval Office and Iranian ambition. Your ascending to the White House will end the era of Ahmadinejad. For instance, when President Clinton was elected Iran's reformist «Khatami» took over, When the curriculum change in the White House, Ahmadinejad rose. This is reflected also inevitably affect the mood in Damascus.

Fourth, we agree with your view of your victory speech, on June 4 2008, that’s criticized the policy of relying on dictators in the Middle East. We should understand the importance of a defined vision as the right way to promote this region of the world, from tyranny and protect the people from the clutches of terrorism and extremism, which generated harsh and oppressive regimes whom they monopolize each flexible ways of power circulation and denying each feature of good governance.
Here, we are still waiting for you - in the next phase of the campaign - a more obvious issues of reform and freedoms through an adopted agenda of a nature we expect from a man of principle,law lecturer in constitutional law and counsel contributed in the field of human rights for more than eleven years «1993-2004», and candidate for the Democratic Party Was always on these issues is whether in government or outside it.
Honorable Senator Obama
.. Supporters of reform and freedom of whom are prisoners of opinion and conscience in Egypt, Syria, Palestine. And others, waiting for you to stand announced in advance and continuing to support their rights to life, liberty and the hope for change. The prisoners of conscience in authoritarian countries are deprived of basic human rights, and subjected to the worst forms of abuse and physical pressures, and psychological justice in the absence of litigation and natural law. Currently, the authoritative regime are taking what happened in Abu Ghraib prison and other detention facilities located outside the U.S.as bond and justification for the assassination of the rights of innocent people and advocates of peaceful reform in its country on a bill that America is a country of freedoms committed such acts!!

Excellency Senator Obama
A reference in the speech «Minnesota» on June 4, 2008, “the seriousness of dependence and support States dictatorship, it may be satisfactory, but it could not compatible with the size of an ambitious liberal Arabs, especially in Egypt, Syria and Palestine, where the magnitude of the disaster more than others”.
Parliamentary symbols and public figures behind bars are threatened with death outside the law by agents and the pressure They are paying a high and heavy price for their position .I am not talking about my cases, but I refer to some names and symbols experience similar situation. For example, in Syria, the Damascus Declaration group which includes former MPs and liberals such as Anwar Bunni, a liberal lawyer, and others. More, Mr. Marwan Barghouti, Palestinian leader still imprison in Israel, while the real hope is a strong alternative in the absence of Abbas and able to strike a balance
As for the case of Egypt, alike my case, there are other political prisoners by Emergency law, detainees from the liberal Ghad Party, Kifaya,and members of Al-Karama party On my perspective, the most important sources of this is tyranny are: First: Article 76 of the Constitution, which amended on 2005,and on 2007 to exclude any real competitor facing President and heir. Amendment aimed to tightening conditions to only fit the President, and his son. Second: Article 77, which was amended in 1980 to make the duration of the presidential periods without a ceiling.
Third: amending the Constitution in 2007 to exclude judicial oversight of elections, which leads to a more orderly operation of each of forgery ,any local or parliamentary elections, and presidential elections.
Fourth: The breach of the justice and litigation are not independent, as well as the Public Prosecution.
Fifth: The regime monopoly of audio-visual news media and all means of real impact.
Sixth: State control of the party founding and interference in their affairs and robbery by «the case of Al-Ghad Party».
Seventh: the continued provision of emergency law 27 years continuously and its application to parties «the case of Al-Ghad Party 2008», against the backdrop of peaceful strikes on April 6, 2008 and in the suppression of the right of assembly and expression demonstrations.
Eighth: the recruitment of judicial rulings against the piercing of the judiciary and Parliament by controlling government to commit all forms of human rights violations to devote monopoly governance and terrorism opposition and reformists under the false guise of legality.
Ninth: The overlapping, between the state and ruling party. Keep the parties weak, for false form of democracy. Exercise strong pressure on civil society institutions to control it or tied economically and legally siege.
Tenth: Spread hatred, intimidation against the reformist, and labeled them as traitors, and “paid from abroad and the echo of foreign agenda”, while the regime seeks support, and cooperation with the outside. Meanwhile, the regime internally promote the feelings of hostility among the public against those ,who accept communion with this abroad regarding reform and democracy.
Honorable Senator Obama, We expect a lot from you .As a democratic candidate expect him to lead the world towards real change and just. The generation of power and all reformist and liberal democracy in Egypt and the Arab world, wants to be held on January 20, 2009, holiday of freedom and democracy - not only in the United States of America, but in the whole world to repair what spoil the long years of supporting tyrants grounds the interests at the expense of principles.

Sincerely your;

President –Al-Ghad Party
Dr. Ayman Nour
Mazra Tora prison - South Cairo

Together For Obama

American Coptic Community-USA — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:29:18 EDT

Together For Obama On July 19.2008, a group of American Egyptian Copts ,as well as other Americans, who support Senator Barak Obama for US Presidency, has joined Steve Popper, Hunterdon County Executive for Obama Campaign2008. Mr. Sherif Saad, an Egyptian Coptic leader had organized, and hosted t a Backyard meeting for a grass root support volunteer. He, the host, welcomed all attendees and praises the diversity of the volunteers, White, Black, Christian, and Jews are at the same page together for America’s better future. The meeting discussed the need to support Senator Obama, and his agenda for USA, domestically, and internationally. Mr. Popper said “Among the issues discussed were the importance of grassroots campaigning, revitalizing our cities, and restoring America's image in the international community by respecting human rights. These Obama supporters shared many inspirational stories and made commitments to volunteer in the near future."

American Coptic Union’s President Rafique Iscandar, has participated in this great effort. We hope that this kind of activities should be followed by other Copts in the USA. Because, this election is very important for America we loved, and World.

EgyptianCopts for Obama/grass root meeting

Stop the Genocide of Egyptian Copts

American Coptic Community-USA — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 21:41:50 EDT

The U.S. Continues to Send Aid to the Egyptian Government,as the Silent Genocide of Egypt’s Christians Persists, and Christian Women are Kidnapped, Raped and Forced to Stay with their Captors The U.S. has turned a blind eye to Coptic Christians, as they continue to suffer human rights abuses under Egypt’s regime. In lieu of the escalating violence and oppression against the Copts, the American Coptic Union is asking Congress to intervene on behalf of those victimized, and impose economic sanctions against Egypt. Since the current U.S. foreign policy appeases Egypt’s regime actions against Coptic Christians, it will inevitably endanger America’s interests in Egypt and the Middle East because the eventual eradication of Coptic Christians in Egypt will cause the U.S. to lose its political leverage, and creditability in the region.

Instead of helping the Copts in Egypt, the U.S. government’s foreign policy helps the regime to continue in its eradication and ethnic cleansing of the Copts, and instead of promoting human rights in Egypt, the U.S. foreign policy actually helps Egypt to continue its quest to annihilate the Coptic race,culture, religion and identity. In the last 10 years, for example, many Congressional members have been calling for cutting a portion of the USAID funding that is given to Egypt to help the Copts. This only helps to weaken the Copts in Egypt, who are already downtrodden by the severe oppression and discrimination they experience because they are Christians. And while U.S. policy seeks to help the Egyptian government, which is represented by the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Muslim Brotherhood, there is little-to-no help for the persecuted Christians in Egypt.

Increased Violence, Death and Economic Strangulation In the past decade, more than 4000 Coptic Christians have been killed as a result of Muslim violence, according to Dr. Saad Eldin Ibrahime, president of the Ebn-Khaldoun Center. Violence against Copts has reached critical proportions, as more and more Muslims, (backed by Egyptian authorities), continue to raid Christian Churches and villages. Recently, Alexandria, Giza, and AlFayum were the targets of such attacks, but these problems have been festering in many parts of the country. Egypt’s tactical regime continues to strangle the Copts economically. By employing economic discrimination, Copts are heavily pressured to convert to Islam, or to flee the country in order to survive. In Upper Egypt, for instance, Copts have been forced to sell their lands, homes, and businesses – or else face severe hardship – all because of the government-imposed economic pressure aimed at Christians.

In the past three years, Coptic communities in various parts of Egypt have been attacked by terrorists supported by the regime, resulting in the numerous injuries and deaths of Copts. As properties owned by Copts have been leveled to the ground, many Copts have been forced to leave their homes and businesses. The attacks are launched by congregants of Mosques located in or around Coptic communities. These Mosques, which actively support extremist ideology and terrorism, also enthusiastically promote violence against non-Muslims in Egypt and carry out these beliefs against their intended victims, under the protection of police, and the SSI. The main threats against Copts have come from these surrounding Mosques, where Muslims are incited by local Imams to initiate attacks against “infidel” Christians. Egyptian security and police forces only make matters worse by protecting the perpetrators, and actively helping them to carry out their vicious raids against Copts. These Mosques, which support terrorism and act as a launching pad for violence and the spread of their ideological hatred, not only pose a threat to Copts, but also to the security in the region. The U.S. must pressure the Egyptian government to shut down these radical Mosques, which surround Coptic Churches and communities, because the sole purpose of these Mosques is to spread their mission of terrorism, and wipe out Christians through violence and forced conversion. Copts who cannot afford to leave Egypt, or are denied a Visa just because they are Christians, are forced to endure a life of constant fear, intimidation and even silent genocide, because their government, (with the prompting and help of radical forces), has actively sought to cleanse them of their religious and ethnic identities through an unabated campaign of forced dhimmitude. The blatant disregard of International Human Rights Accords and Agreements is another contravention by the Egyptian government. As a result of this policy, the religious and citizenship rights of Coptic Christians in Egypt are in serious jeopardy. The American Coptic Union is asking the U.S. to assist in the following ways. . · The U.S. government must stop helping the Egyptian government force Christians to leave their homes and land, while cutting USAID funding allotted for the Copts. All funds allotted by USAID for the Egyptian Copts should be given directly to the Copts and not delivered via the Egyptian government.