Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood said Friday (September 14th) the United States was not responsible for an anti-Islam film that sparked violent protests across the region, calling for demonstrations to remain peaceful.
In a letter to the New York Times, the Brotherhood's deputy leader Khairat el-Shater said Egyptians have the right to protest the offensive Internet video but that the storming of the US embassy in Cairo was "illegal".
"Despite our resentment of the continued appearance of productions like the anti-Muslim film that led to the current violence, we do not hold the American government or its citizens responsible for acts of the few that abuse the laws protecting freedom of expression," el-Shater wrote in the letter.
"In a new democratic Egypt, Egyptians earned the right to voice their anger over such issues, and they expect their government to uphold and protect their right to do so," he said.
However, they should do so peacefully and within the bounds of the law, he added. "The breach of the United States Embassy premises by Egyptian protesters is illegal under international law. The failure of the police force to protect it has to be investigated."
On Tuesday, an angry mob scaled the embassy walls and tore down a US flag, replacing it with a black Islamist one.
El-Shater expressed his "condolences to the American people" over the killing of US ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans in an assault on the US consulate in the Libyan city of Benghazi during similar protests.
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has condemned the film, while calling on Egyptians to keep their protests peaceful.
Also on Friday, the Muslim Brotherhood withdrew calls for nationwide protests in response to the film, saying they would instead participate in a "symbolic" demonstration.
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ADD A COMMENT (COMMENT POLICY) * DENOTES REQUIRED FIELD
READER COMMENTS
براء
2012-9-24
God suffices me for He is the Best Disposer of affairs!
منصور المايكى
2012-9-24
In the Name of God, Peace and Blessings Be on the Messenger of God. The answer should not be through violence, it should be through the teachings and traditions of the Prophet. The Muslim Brotherhood should take decisions with the Jews.
مجدى
2012-9-24
It is behaving in the same way of the National Democratic Party did with its stupidity and deceptive ways, but this time it will not be for long.
مصطفى سيد جلال
2012-9-24
The USA is not responsible for the presence of Israel or for the loss of Iraq. It is neither responsible for the tragedies in which we live. Welcome to the "Muslim Brotherhood", the fake Brotherhood of the USA.
ramadan
2012-9-23
This is part of the deal between the Muslim Brotherhood and America. If it was any other president than President Mursi, would they have said the same thing or would they have headed to al-Tahrir (square)?
solieman
2012-9-22
I was very happy when Moursi announced that he will not go to the USA. However, after what is being said regarding just overlooking the offences to our Prophet, peace be upon him, then we must take all the necessary measures, including cutting off relations in everything and rejection of aid. We can sacrifice money and souls to protect the Prophet, peace be upon him, despite of the rulers of the USA and the Neoconservatives, who are Christian groups with religious purposes that include construction of the temple to make antichrist returns. However, they allege that there is no religion in politics.
ناصر
2012-9-22
Since their formation, the Muslim Brotherhood have been agents of the foreign invasion. Hassan Al-Banna was an agent of the British invasion and then of the USA. The Muslim Brotherhood adopts the capitalist system even if they said something else. The Muslim Brotherhood supported Moursi to be the president. It is a fascist and pragmatic group and it refuses to legalize its existence. Everything is lawful and legitimate for them. They create rumors and lies to defame their opponents. They did so with Mustafa Nahhas Pasha, ElBaradei, Hamdin Sabahi and all those who have popularity. The Muslim Brotherhood only believes in their group rather than home. They hide their old slogans because these are the requirements of this phase until they reach the authority according to their leader, guide and prophet Hassan Al-Banna, who divided the Muslims. All the members of the Muslim Brotherhood are closer to each other than the other people even if they are from Bangladesh and they think that any Muslim has the right to rule the Muslims. They considered those who are not members of this group as deficient Muslims who should be treated as tenth class citizens once they have the power.
خالد
2012-9-22
Yesterday’s friend is today’s enemy. Reaching the power after long wait!
ELKOMANDA
2012-9-21
Honestly, the words are not even believable. Yet, we respect the word of the one responsible for the people of the Beloved Egypt. (O Lord, strengthen him and make him fulfill his promise so that we pray for him and to stand by him, O Lord)!
الهام
2012-9-21
The Brothers are the best defenders of the Beloved Chosen, Peace Be upon Him, by following His path, calling to Islam and spreading his comprehensive concept. No one would ever insult the Messenger because the Almighty says: “Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers” (Qur’an: al-Hijr: 95). I hope everyone would keep busy with his affairs and ask himself what did he do to defend? Enough with the criticism against the Muslim Brotherhood! O Lord, I hope this gets spread.
غريب
2012-9-16
I wish that the Muslim Brotherhood would say the same thing if the president had been anyone other than Moursi.
محمد
2012-9-16
This is certain dear brothers.
نورا
2012-9-15
The response should not be with violence but the Muslims should be adherent to the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace be upon him. O God! Support Islam and Muslims. I witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.
ابو الخير
2012-9-15
The quick response to those who made this film can happen through speaking about the manners of Prophet, peace be upon him, and how he used to treat the Jews and fight them. We have to learn from the quick acts of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and refrain from using abuses against the enemies of the Muslims, as Islam is the religion of manners and goodness.
مها عمر
2012-9-15
In the name of Allah, and peace be upon the messenger of Allah. O the messenger of Allah, I would sacrifice my parents and myself to protect you. Where are the Muslim Brotherhood, what have they done to defend the prophet. They used to defend Morsy, so that he may win the presidency, and they used to spend many days at the Tahreer Square, but where are they now