Muslim Council of Montreal dismayed over Mubarak’s announcement to stay in power

February 11, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montreal, Quebec, February 11th, 2011- The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) expressed its extreme dismay over Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak’s refusal to step down from power, ignoring the millions who have been demonstrating in the streets for the past 17 days demanding his resignation and the end to his oppressive regime.

“Mubarak’s defiant and arrogant refusal to listen to the voice of both his citizens and the international community shows that he only cares about his own selfish interests and not for the true betterment of his country,” stated Salam Elmenyawi, president of MCM. “There is no point for him to attempt a just gradual transition plan for his government, as he cannot begin to fix in a few short months the disaster he has created over the past 30 brutal years. His remaining in power will contribute nothing to the stability and peace in Egypt, rather it will only lead to more confrontation, violence, disorder and bloodshed of innocent lives.”

“It is unacceptable for Canada to continue showing support for a repressive regime in Egypt and deny its citizens their legitimate right to a political system that is based on justice, freedom and protection of all their rights,” Elmenyawi said. “We applaud the courage and determination of the Egyptian demonstrators in opposing the tyrannical and corrupt rule of Mubarak in a peaceful manner and sending a clear message not only to their own government, but to governments and citizens all around the world. The international community must support their efforts and protect their right to demonstrate without being victim to intimidation and violence.” 

Millions of demonstrators have been protesting in various cities around Egypt since January 25th, 2011, against the government of President Mubarak. Gangs of pro-Mubarak thugs have attacked the demonstrators, with rocks, Molotov cocktails, whips and knives. It is unclear how many have been killed and injured in the brutal attacks so far.

 

CONTACT: 

Salam Elmenyawi

Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM)

Ph.: (514) 748-8427

E-mail: info@muslimcouncil.org

Website: http://www.muslimcouncil.org

 

The Muslim Council of Montreal (MCM) is an umbrella organization representing a number of Islamic institutions in the Montreal region. There are over 225,000 Muslims in Montreal, about 1,000,000 in Canada and 1.9 billion worldwide.

 

-30-