The charge of "contempt of religion" against two Scientologists, Wafaa
Hassan Ahemd and Mahmoud Mufid Masarwa, is false and devoid of facts. Their
prolonged detention, based solely on suspicion and rumor, is a gross violation
of human rights. The Church of Scientology International calls for their
immediate release.
The Scientologists were in Egypt to establish an office for the promotion of
two books authored by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Scientology religion.
Both books were approved by the Egyptian censorship authorities and one was
published by Egypt's largest publisher of government authorized books.
The basis of their detention is the unfounded claim by the propaganda agency
MENA (Middle East News Agency) that Scientology is somehow opposed to the
beliefs of Islam and Christianity. This is utterly false.
In his writings L. Ron Hubbard has always embraced the validity of all
religions and promoted religious tolerance.
Islamic leaders have spoken on this subject:
"It is our personal experience that there is nothing but respect for
the Prophet and the Islamic faith from the Church of Scientology and its
officials."
- Amir Gillani, President of the American Institute of Islamic Studies,
Ontario, Canada, January 2002
"...We have found Scientology to be a religion that is not in conflict
with any religion and their actions reflect a desire to bring understanding
without trying to change a person's religion or politics."
- Shaykh Abd'Allah Latif Ali, Chairman of the Imams Council of New York,
January 2002
"I can tell you that I have worked side by side with Scientologists in
activities to promote religious understanding of Muslims, and indeed, all
faiths, here in the United States.
- Imam Luqman Abdush-Shahid, Masjid Malcolm Shabazz, January 2002
We appeal to the Egyptian authorities to immediately rectify this violation
of human rights.