Egypt's Copts divided over Fotouh

Egyptian Copts are reportedly divided over whom to support in the country's presidential elections to be held in May 2012. The head of the General Coptic Board, Sherif Dous, has declared he is to start gathering supporting documents for candidate Dr Abd Al-Monem Abu Al-Fotouh, while other Coptic organisations have refused to grant support saying Dous was "only representing himself". Dous had earlier sent a message to several political activists telling them he will start gathering official documents in support of Fotouh from Copts all over Egypt. Certain Copts reacted angrily to the move, saying Fotouh was a former member of the Muslim Brotherhood, which many Copts refuse to support. Opposing organisations said Dous was self-serving and  did not even represent the General Coptic Board which he is head of. Critics said Copts would only support a candidate who believed in civil state principles and citizenship rights, which didn't apply to Fotouh, whom they see as an "Islamist candidate". The head of the Egyptian Union for Human Rights and a member in the General Coptic Board, Naguib Gebrael, issued a stern statement declaring his opposition to supporting Fotouh, saying he told Dous to ensure he only spoke for himself, and that his choice was not connected to the General Coptic Board or the Copts in general. The "Copts Without Restrictions" organisation also declared that the General Coptic Board only represented its members and didn't reflect the Coptic public opinion. They accused Sherif Dous of taking the position after "suspicious contact" with leading figures in the Muslim Brotherhood. Priest Felopatir Gameel, a member in the Maspeso's Youth Coalition, has said he will never support a candidate who belonged to the former regime or an Islamist candidate, as Egypt needed a president who could protect its national identity and ensure dignity, freedom and complete equality for all citizens. Coptic activist Kamal Zakher also agreed with Felopatir, emphasising the importance of putting aside religious leanings when choosing the next president to avoid sectarian controversies. Zakher said that the Copts's choice would not be effected by sectarian influences, but would commit to the general desire for a candidate of a civilian background who could respect and protect the diversity of the Egyptian populace.