Egyptian Australians have been protesting for the swift end to military rule and a smooth passage to democracy through this week's elections. Church services have been held by Coptic's praying for an end to the bloodshed in Cairo. Coptic Priest, Father Tadros Sharobeam told his congregation to have faith. “It is a hard time and we know it's a hard time but we believe, my beloved, that Egypt has always been strong and we believe that our Lord Jesus Christ loves Egypt,” he said. The Coptic community are concerned since last month, when 27 of their own were killed in Cairo protests known as the “Maspero Massacre.” Father Macarius Wahba also highlighted his concerns. “We know that there is a price to be paid and we are not scared of paying that price but let's hope that it is not all in vain and there is change.” Egyptian expatriates in Australia are asking Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd to condemn the excessive use of force on protesters by the military and to support removal of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Armed Forces including Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi. Protesters have also demanded that the United States stop funding the country's military which is attacking protesters with potent tear gas made in the U.S, among other tactics. Reham Maklad from the Egyptian Association for Change wants the Gillard government to take action. “The message they are sending to the 85 million people in Egypt is we don't want you to have democracy. You don't deserve democracy. We will arm the dictators against you,” said Maklad. Many Egyptian expatriates have expressed their concern over the voting procedures as many have incurred hurdles during the process. Egyptian-Australian, Hanney Seylim does not believe that the elections are going to take place fairly. “We still believe that the corrupt regime is still in control somehow,” said Seylim. BM
