• 09:07
  • Monday ,26 August 2013
العربية

Seattle's Egypt marchers: 'The Muslim Brotherhood is a danger'

By KOMO News

Copts and Poliltical Islam

00:08

Monday ,26 August 2013

Seattle's Egypt marchers: 'The Muslim Brotherhood is a danger'

On Saturday, Egyptians marched from the Space Needle to Westlake Park to show solidarity with their loved ones caught in the violence. 

It was a peaceful march - the purpose was to increase awareness and share views on what's happening in their native country.
 
They're marching for their Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt - and calling for an end to violence.
 
"We are enjoying the freedom of the U.S., but our friends - our brothers and sisters in Egypt - continue to suffer for no reason other than being Christian," says one protester, Girgis Hafzalla.
 
More than 40 Coptic Christians rallied at Seattle's Space Needle - upset about the attacks on schools, businesses and churches in Egypt. At least 60 Coptic churches were torched or heavily damaged when chaos erupted last week between protesters and security forces.
 
"The international community needs to know the Muslim Brotherhood is a danger," says Hafzalla. "Egypt is better off without it.
 
In recent days violence in the country has begun to settle. A month-long curfew that was in effect for 11 hours daily was shortened Saturday by two hours. 
 
However, the capital city of Cairo still remains in a state of emergency.
 
"They may be helped by knowing they can move a little bit. But talking to some of my nephews and nieces they just fear going out, even," says Samira Ibrahim.
 
Miles away in Seattle, these Christians want others to know they support the Egyptian army - united against terrorism.
 
"It's not a coup - it's a revolution," says Ibrahim. "We want to live in peace not because Christian or Muslim are against your opinion. It's not right."
 
Saturday's protest marchers were from St. Mary's Coptic Church in Seattle - and many are speaking with family in Egypt every other day about the violence.