Egyptian Opinions: Constructive Criticism or Incitement of Terrorism?
“No voice rises above the voice of the battle,” said Gamal Abdel Nasser, the late Egyptian president.
The current Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El Sisi, called on Egyptians to rally behind him against terrorism by banning criticism of the police, army, and judiciary through media publications.
In response, hundreds of journalists rejected the October 26 declaration where editors said they would take actions to stop what they called “infiltration by elements supporting terrorism”.
Fighting terrorism is now a national goal set by the president. It is now Egypt’s most important priority, and so nothing else can be mentioned.
I cannot deny the vitality of that goal, especially after the tragic killing of over 30 soldiers in Sinai and the growing threat that is the Islamic State (IS) just next door. But it cannot and should not be the only mission of every Egyptian.
How can it be expected of the common Egyptian to take on the goal against terrorism when he/she are engulfed in their day-to-day problems that are, in one way or another, a result of decades of government inefficiencies?
There is an Egyptian taxi driver whose only goal is not to fight terrorism but to earn enough money to put food on the table for his children.
One of these children could be a college graduate who maintains a full-time employment on a chair in the ahwa – or café – around the corner.
There is an Egyptian woman dreading every step she takes to her door as she is consistently greeted by a beating from her abusive husband. Her goal is not to fight terrorism but to fight her husband’s temper.
There is an Egyptian mother in Marsa Matrouh who is still mourning her 7-year-old son who died after the gate of his school fell on him. Her goal is not to fight terrorism.
There are young people living on the street who are unaware of anything that is taking place. Their goal is not to fight terrorism but instead to sell the biggest number of tissue packets.
Who is going to give these Egyptians a chance to speak? How can those Egyptians be heard if criticizing the faults in our country is forbidden?
The problem lies in seeing criticism as a hindrance rather than a form of awareness and tool of progress.
Those who criticize are not seen as giving sufferers a voice but rather as rioters inviting anarchy.
If this approach remains and such policies persist, the voiceless will never be heard and problems will never be solved.
Huda Ramzy
Online Editor
@hudaramzy
