Coptic priests and activists alike today condemned statements made on al-Hakika Channel, saying that the channel seeks to increase sedition among Egyptians and undermine social peace by insulting Islam. They also demanded that Copts boycott the channel and demanded that the Egyptian government suspend any Islamic or Christian channel that insults religion, for the sake of national unity. SUSPICIOUS CHANNEL Spokesman of the Evangelical Church Ikram Lamei today criticized the channel, describing it as “suspicious.” “The channel insults Christianity before Islam and offers a false image about the teachings of Christianity,” Lamei said. He also accused the channel of working to insult others to gain monetary aid from extremists working to destabilize Egypt. “Copts in Egypt and abroad condemn the channel, which seeks to increase sectarian tension in Egypt,” he said. He also asked about the person responsible for the broadcast, particularly because of the critical period in Egypt. EGYPT'S MINISTER OF INFORMATION BEARS THE RESPONSIBILITY Coptic preist Abdel-Massih Bassit also condemned the channel, similarly claiming that it is trying to destabilize the nation. He also asked about the objectives that prompted Egyptian Minister of Information Osama Haikal to allow the broadcast of the program, particularly as it will likely raise sectarian tension. “There is a need to confront extremist media; Ahmed Abaza does not represent Christianity and his style does not match up with its teachings,” said Bassit. “Priests and thinkers are working to combat these channels,” he added. Ehab Sobhy, a broadcaster on the CTV Channel also blamed the Ministry of Information for broadcasting the program on Egyptian satellite television. He also underlined the necessity of taking legal measures to combat different Muslim or Christian extremist channels in order to protect the stability and security of Egypt. “The church has no relation with such channels,” he added. A COMPLAINT AGAINST EGYPT'S MINISTER OF INFORMATION Coptic activist Wageh Yagoob and member of the Union of Maspiro Youth Andrawes Owida also today criticized the style adopted by the channel because it contradicts the values of Christianity. “The channel aims only to collect money from outside sources by raising sectarian tension amongst Egyptians,” they said. “There is a need to increase public awareness regarding the objectives of such a channel.” They highlighted that the Copts respect all other religions and they do not accept the insult of any other religion, faction or person. They said that they will participate with activists in submitting a complaint against the channel.
