Egypt’s Grand Mufti Shawki Allam stressed that human rights are not just about politics, stressing that the judiciary is independent and impartial, and that all trials are held in line with the rule of law.
Allam stressed that trials are held after an integrated judicial investigation.
"Confining human rights to political purposes is similar to exploiting religion to attain political interests," he explained.
Allam pointed out that people have the right to fair trials and that criminals should not escape punishment. “Whoever violates the law is subject to punishment under the rule of law.”
In response to claims that the death sentence “deprives people of their right to life,” Allam said Egypt’s legislation has long provided guarantees with this verdict that come in line with the provisions of Sharia.
The Grand Mufti further noted that the National Strategy for Human Rights, recently launched by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, tackles many areas, including keenness to ensure equality and non-discrimination.
At the legislative level, from the 1923 constitution to the 2014 constitution, Cairo has always stressed on equality among Egyptians, the Mufti noted.
All Egyptians are equal before the law and the constitution and have the same rights and duties, which led to the “blending and cohesion of the Egyptian national fabric,” Allam said.
In mid-September, Sisi launched the five-year plan for improving respect for human rights. It includes four political, economic, social and cultural aspects.
He also declared 2022 as the “Year of Civil Society,” which he described as the “key partner” in promoting the human rights process in the country.
In a statement on Friday, the Mufti said “Islam is a religion of coexistence, and its principles call for peace, recognize pluralism and reject violence.”
