We were out throughout Maadi tonight for soccer practices and dinner, oblivious to the events of earlier this evening that are apparently continuing into the night regarding protests at the US Embassy in Cairo.
This CNN story ran this video report:
Prior to leaving for this evenings events, I did see a State Department warning come through the email for all American citizens warning about the possibility of demonstrations at the Embassy tonight. We usually receive warnings 2-3 days in advance of an event like this, so I thought it strange to get one within hours of the warning. Nonetheless, we proceeded safely throughout Maadi tonight; Zeke and I even walked the 20 minutes home from Victoria College where his practice was held. We didn't know that anything had or was happening until our Regional Coordinator sent an email after the fact.
We do not have any additional information as to the mysterious cause related to a supposedly insulting video/film released in America that is insulting to Mohammed and Islam. This Al-Jazeera report says the film was "produced by expatriate members of Egypt's Christian minority resident in the United States".
This local story in the Egypt Independent gave more information regarding the offense, the purpose of the sit in and the response by US officials so far:
So we're fine -- if you come across any other, related news articles that shed more light on the situation, particularly about the film in question, please send us a link.
Thank you for your ongoing thoughts, prayers, and support...
UPDATE: 09-12-2012 - best article so far on the controversial film that spawned the Libya and Egypt Embassy protests.
This CNN story ran this video report:
Prior to leaving for this evenings events, I did see a State Department warning come through the email for all American citizens warning about the possibility of demonstrations at the Embassy tonight. We usually receive warnings 2-3 days in advance of an event like this, so I thought it strange to get one within hours of the warning. Nonetheless, we proceeded safely throughout Maadi tonight; Zeke and I even walked the 20 minutes home from Victoria College where his practice was held. We didn't know that anything had or was happening until our Regional Coordinator sent an email after the fact.
We do not have any additional information as to the mysterious cause related to a supposedly insulting video/film released in America that is insulting to Mohammed and Islam. This Al-Jazeera report says the film was "produced by expatriate members of Egypt's Christian minority resident in the United States".
This local story in the Egypt Independent gave more information regarding the offense, the purpose of the sit in and the response by US officials so far:
 |
| Reuters photo |
Mohamed al-Deeb, a 20-year-old university student, was provoked to take part in the protest after seeing clips of the film in which the Prophet Mohamed is portrayed as homosexual and misconceptions about Islam are spread.
"What angered us is the insult to the Prophet and the lack of response from the state," Deeb said. "We are always peaceful and we do not want to escalate, but if the film is shown, we will."
Protesters told Egypt Independent that they want the US ambassador to be expelled, for the film not to be shown in the US, and for Egyptians involved in the making of the film to have their citizenship revoked.
"Just like the US always complains that its national security is in danger, we feel that our spiritual security is in danger by having something that is holy to us insulted," said protester Wahid Younis. "We want the US to take action against this film to end this sit-in."
A US embassy official had no immediate comment on the protesters' actions but the embassy had put out a statement earlier on Tuesday condemning those who hurt the religious feelings of Muslims or followers of any other religions, Reuters reported.
"We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others," the embassy said in its statement.
So we're fine -- if you come across any other, related news articles that shed more light on the situation, particularly about the film in question, please send us a link.
Thank you for your ongoing thoughts, prayers, and support...
UPDATE: 09-12-2012 - best article so far on the controversial film that spawned the Libya and Egypt Embassy protests.
No comments:
Post a Comment