CAIRO: Australia's parliament called for an end to Coptic persecution in Egypt, in a recent bill addressing the need for protecting religious freedoms in Egypt. The bill was proposed on September 19, just weeks before violence fanned by sectarian tensions broke out in Cairo, leaving 26 dead and nearly 300 wounded. It was passed unanimously. Craig Kelly, an Australian MP, penned the bill. He stated that the motion “could not have been more timely.” “Egypt is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented transition, the success of which hinges on full respect for the rule of law and compliance with international human rights standards including freedom of religion,” said Kelly. The bill recognizes ongoing persecution of Coptic Christians in Egypt, and condemns the recent attack on Christian protesters. It calls upon the Australian government to appeal at the United Nations and to the Egyptian government to end the persecution of Coptic Christians. Bishop Suriel, the leader of Australia's Coptic Christian community of nearly 70,000, has urged Australia to expel its Egyptian ambassador, Omar Metwally Mohamed, in light of the recent violence. He claimed that the Egyptian ambassador has worked to silence Copts in Australia. BM
