Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cairo (Agenzia Fides) - "A part of the area affected by the conflict, life proceeds normally in Cairo," says to Fides Fr. Luciano Verdoscia, a Comboni missionary who works in Cairo, where clashes between demonstrators and the military have been going on for four days. Theatre of the violence, which in three days have killed at least 11 people, remains the area around the headquarters of the Council of Ministers and Parliament.
"The protest in Tahrir Square has focused on the brutal methods of the police and army. The videos spread across the world speak for themselves, especially on violence against women," said Fr Luciano. "Even one of our employees, several days ago, was stopped on his way to work. After establishing that he was a Christian, the police pushed him to the ground, took his scooter, computer and mobile phone. In prison he was beaten, along with other Christians. The prison officers lashed out against them, shouting: 'You infidels have killed our brothers' (referring to the clashes between Copts and the police on October 9, see Fides 10/10/2011). The boy was then released a few days ago." "Part of the population justifies the attitude of the police and army in the name of the return to order" notes Fr. Luciano.
"It is increasingly difficult, however, to understand the Egyptian political and social evolution. On the one hand there are forces of progressive intellectuals, on the other hand most of the other voters voted for the Muslim Brotherhood or the Salafis," said the missionary. In the second round of elections for the Chamber of Lower Egypt, the Muslim Brothers are in the lead with 40% of the votes.
"Within the Muslim Brotherhood it is not clear what kind of approach will prevail, more or less moderate, or close to the Salifis positions. An important question, because they will lead the Country, while an agreement before the election between the army and the Muslim Brotherhood for the division of power seems to have been reached", said Father Luciano. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/12/2011)
