CAIRO - Confronting the former regime's remnants and not using religion in politics are the main goals of the 'Egypt is a Civil State' movement, a non-governmental group, which has recently been established. “Raising Egyptians' awareness of the importance of a civil state is among our priorities,” said rights activist Amir Salim, who is the co-ordinator of the new group. Last month the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces ordered a committee of independent legal experts to prepare constitutional amendments. A referendum on the amendments will take place on March 19. “We call for a new constitution and the participation of the entire society in its creation,” Salem added. “If the military rulers enforce the amended Constitution, it will be illegitimate.” Members of the new movement, created by a number of rights activists, said: “The people need to have the upper hand in a free state. Constitution and law have sovereignty. The civil state creates equality for all Egyptians.” Elaborating on the movement's mission statement, they added: “The civil state guarantees freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of practising religious rituals.” The civil state, according to the new movement, will enjoy independent media. “It completely separates between legislative, judicial and executive powers,” Salem said. The co-ordinator of the movement warned about sectarian sedition. “Spreading sectarian sedition is an attempt by forces of the counter-revolution. They aim at diverting the attention from the Constitution,” Salem elaborated. “National parties, movements and political powers have to get ready for the next presidential and parliamentary elections and encourage people to vote,” Salim continued. He harshly criticised the State Security officers suspected of massive abuses and wanted them treated like patients with mental health problems. “They are in dire need of psychotherapy,” he said.
