CAIRO: Al-Azhar al-Sharief, the Sunni's world most renowned religious institution, issued a statement on Sunday condemning the violent clashes between the protesters and the army, which left at least 13 dead and over 700 injured in three days of fighting. Al-Azhar itself lost a respected and loved scholar, Sheikh Emad Efat, whose death was captured on video after he was badly assaulted and shot in the heart by the military. Yet the statement neglected to mention Effat, whose funeral saw thousands upon thousands attend it, praying behind the body at al-Azhar Mosque. Following the funeral, attendees marched in the streets toward Tahrir Square chanting “down with the military.” “In these critical moments in our country's history and its political path, the grand sheikh of al-Azhar and a group of scientists, intellectuals and thinkers express their deepest sorrow towards the clashes,” read the statement. Efat was killed on Friday by police gunfire on December 16. His colleagues and friends mourned his death and spoke of his “clean hands and great patient personality.” The grand mufti led the prayer and expressed his deep sorry and pain for his death. “He was like a son to me,” said Ali Gom'a, the grand mufti, fighting tears. “We give our condolences to the whole world for losing this pure scholar, we called him the pigeon of the mosque as he was peaceful.” added Gom'a. His family said Effat used to go to all protests and sit-ins after work to support freedom fighters and activists. The rights community is also in uproar over his death. The statement called for the end of violence, and called to hold those who are responsible for the lives lost accountable, but failed to mention Effat completely. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/CaAiZ Tags: Al Azhar, featured, Sheikh Emad Efat Section: Egypt, Latest News
