Anti-Morsi protest in Cairo (Archives)
Photo: Reuters
Egyptians protest against Iranian tourism
Salafi believers rally near Cairo residence of Iranian diplomat, protest against Iranian tourism to Egypt, which may introduce Shiite belief, endanger Salaf
Dozens of Salafi believers protested in Cairo Friday, in front of the residence of Amani Mojtaba, head of Iran's interest section in Cairo, against the strengthening diplomatic ties between Iran
and Egypt and recent collaborations in regards to tourism.
Last week marked the first commercial flight in 34 years from Cairo to Teharan, and Iranian tourists started making their way into Egyptian sites this week.
Related stories:
- Over 50 Iranian tourists visit southern Egypt
- Egypt, Iran commercial flights resume after 34 years
- Protest, clashes in Cairo, 2 other Egyptian cities
Members of the Salafi movement in Egypt consider Shiites heretics, and fear Iran is trying to spread its faith in the Sunni world.
Egyptias reports said that protesters caused damage to a security post near the Iranian diplomat's house, as security forces tried to control the crowds.
The protesters cried out "Jihad against Shiites and Hezbollah ," and "Morsi, you promised us Sharia, not Shia." Others wrote on the walls of Mojtaba's house "Muslim Brotherhood sold us to Iran."
Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi said Thursday during a meeting with Islamist clerics that he intends to curb any attempt to spread Shia in Egypt, in light of national fears that Iranian tourism in Egypt will introduce Shiite belief into Egypt.
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