07/02/11….In defence of standing against ‘injustice in Egypt’

Dear Editor, STANDING IN DEFIANCE OF INJUSTICE IN EGYPT – A Statement from the Oxford University Islamic Society and Partners – (OXFORD, 2/2/2011):

“The Oxford University Islamic Society, alongside other Oxford University societies and their academic partners both within Oxford and beyond, unequivocally condemn the Mubarak regime and support the will of the Egyptian people for freedom, dignity, and human rights.

“For 30 years, the despotic regime of Hosni Mubarak and his gang have mercilessly ruled Egypt. Under the guise of a three-decade state of emergency, which suspends constitutional rights, extends the power of
the police, and legalizes media censorship, they have created a police state to perpetuate their power. They have brutally opposed any who would stand in their way by means of coercion, intimidation, and aggression.

This ruling junta has flouted basic human rights, denying Egyptian citizens freedom of speech, equal protection under the law, freedom from arbitrary arrest or detention, freedom to peacefully assemble, and the right to choose their representatives. Mubarak and his party have established corruption, mistrust, and enmity within Egyptian society.

“On 25 January 2011, the Egyptian people took a stand. United, they rose up against the fear that had been the regime’s most potent weapon. This is not the movement of a secretive, organised opposition
interest, but a collective of wide swathes of Egyptian society united in their will for a new tomorrow. Courageously risking their lives and livelihoods, they have come together to protest the chronic tyranny,
injustice, and oppression under which they have lived for the past 30 years. As a result of brutal attempts to stifle the uprisings, many have died?UN estimates suggest that nearly 300 people have lost their
lives, and nearly 3000 more have been injured since demonstrations began, and these numbers are climbing daily.

“Despite these dangers, throngs continue to protest the rule of Hosni Mubarak in cities and towns across Egypt. While he has made several substandard attempts to placate the demonstrators, Mubarak continues to defy the ultimate will of the Egyptian people that he step down and leave Egypt immediately. In his last grasps at the power that is quickly escaping him, this
cowardly dictator has enlisted thugs and mercenaries to sabotage the unity of the demonstrators and to attack innocent men, women, and children who are defending their dignity.

“We join the Egyptian people in peacefully demanding that Hosni Mubarak forfeit the office of the President immediately, and that the state of emergency be lifted promptly. Furthermore we support the call for free
and fair elections to be established in Egypt as soon as possible.

“Finally, we condemn the use of violence or destruction of property by any party and echo the call for Mubarak to meet the demands of the Egyptian people without delay so that a new just and peaceful order
can be established in Egypt.

“The Oxford University Islamic Society is one of the largest and most active student societies in the University. It’s members are actively reporting on the protests in Egypt, including live reports from the
street via twitter (@aishasaad)http://twitter.com/#!/aisaad and the
mobilization of over 399,000 facebook supporters in its Virtual March
of Millionshttp://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126197157451259