Egypt’s constitutional panel in crisis over ‘Islamist domination’
More than 20 members representing different political groups storm out of meeting
CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s constitutional panel is meeting to try to resolve a crisis after liberals, Christians and others walked out in protest against Islamist domination of the committee.
The walkouts were angry that the Islamist majority parliament appointed a panel that was not representative of minorities and other political factions. Of the 100 members, 60 are affiliated with Islamist groups.
More than 20 members who withdrew, including Christian representatives of the Coptic Church and others from Al-Azhar, the prestigious Sunni learning institute, demand the panel be totally redrawn.
Islamist panel member Nader Bakkar said the meeting Wednesday will suggest 10 members be replaced and give walkouts until Sunday before starting the panel’s work.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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