Missionary: Egyptian protestors want democracy, not Islamic state

February 03, 2011

An Italian missionary who ministers in an impoverished section of Cairo has told the Fides news agency that the protestors there are more interested in democratic reforms than in establishing an Islamic state.

In general, "the atmosphere [has been] joyous and festive," says Father Luciano Verdoscia. "I have not experienced a climate of fanaticism."

"The youth with whom I spoke say they want a democratic government not an Islamic government," he added. "It is the youth who organized the uprising, not the Muslim Brotherhood."

"What may happen, nobody knows," he cautioned. "We know that the most organized opposition is represented by the Muslim Brotherhood, which has several branches. There are some parts more violent than the other more moderate, parts which seek dialogue and others who seek confrontation."

Founded in 1929, the Muslim Brotherhood seeks the restoration of the caliphate (which ended with the collapse of the Ottoman Empire), the imposition of Sharia law, and a union of Islamic nations.

Source(s): these links will take you to other sites, in a new window.

• A missionary among the protesters in Cairo tells Fides: "I have not experienced a climate of fanaticism, but one of joy and celebration" (Fides)
• Battered protesters remain after deadly Egypt clashes (Los Angeles Times)
• Unrest continues in Egypt as calls for Mubarak to resign increase (Vatican Radio)
• Muslim Brotherhood (Wikipedia)