The Australian Coptic Movement Association Ltd

25h January 2013

Statement on the 2nd Anniversary of the 25th January 2011 Revolution

icture this. A girl is encouraged to have the biggest birthday party in her honour. Her friends helped set up the party, had a great time dancing the night away... and at the end, they were all gone.

And here stands the birthday girl in an empty, dirty hall, alone, left to clean up the mess. Except that this isnt a birthday. Its a revolution. And its not just tables and chairs to clean. Its an unstable elected government, poor socio-legal reforms, a demolished economy and a country in crisis. It is almost the two-year anniversary of Egypts revolution and while the world had watched in awe and amazement at the Arab Spring that drenched democracy on the thirsty tyrannical deserts of the Middle East, those same nations turn a blind eye to the suffering instilled by a confusing and unfamiliar change to this terrain. Two years on and Egypts main source of income, tourism, is all but dead. Two years on, Egypt has had more military trials of political opponents than in the 30 years of Mubaraks rule. Two years on and Egypts economy is said to be close to bankruptcy, during which time it can join its revolutionary elder sister, Tunisia, in their synchronized economic collapse. Two years on and Egypt weeps for her children who continue to die due to the lazy, ineffective and corrupt management ingrained in the Egyptian hierarchy. It is not just minority groups that have suffered under the revolution- although, they undoubtedly have. If you were one of the supporters of the revolution who thundered for a change to the system- my question to you is, how much do you know of the sufferings of the Egyptians since? How many deaths and jail sentences have you heard about? How many children have you wept for? Or were you just a voice that called out with the crowds, demanding a revolution, with no plan or strategy in place? The Copts were one group who had their strategy join the ranks and call for the immediate demands of freedom, justice and equality, not just for them but for the entire population. They, along with their countrymen who sought the most basic of democratic values, have now witnessed a worrying rise in the attacks by extremists and fundamentalists on churches, Coptic businesses, the kidnappings and ransom of young men and women and the ongoing persecution of Christian converts.
The Australian Coptic Movement Association Ltd | ABN: 17 147 783 186 PO Box 30, ST CLAIR NSW 2759 P: 0418 331 213 | E: info@auscma.com | W: www.auscma.com The Australian Coptic Movement Association Ltd is a registered not-for-profit organisation with full tax concessions

The Australian Coptic Movement Association Ltd

We do not ask for more than that the world looks again. Dont turn your face from the party that you demanded. Dont walk away from the situation that you encouraged. Watch as Egypt struggles to pick up the pieces of a broken nation, divided in terms of Islamist and Revolutionary, Man and Woman and Copt and Muslim. A better Egypt can come and The Australian Coptic Movement Association as part of the National Salvation Front, will contribute to ensure that Egypt is a nation for all Egyptians.
Suzy Hanna is member of The Australian Coptic Movement Association working within the media and public relations area. With a Bachelor in Law/Arts, Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Bachelor in Arts (Honours) and Bachelor in Secondary Teaching, Suzys education and personal interest in sociological affairs of Copts and Egypt has seen her on the front lines of elevating the Coptic Cause. Suzy has fronted an array of media outlets including SBS Broadcasting and the Sydney Morning Herald.

The Australian Coptic Movement Associations operating costs are run purely on the donations received by its supporters and the tireless work of its volunteers. Please donate to our cause by visiting our website and help the Copts promote their rights, and their community.

The Australian Coptic Movement Association Ltd | ABN: 17 147 783 186 PO Box 30, ST CLAIR NSW 2759 P: 0418 331 213 | E: info@auscma.com | W: www.auscma.com The Australian Coptic Movement Association Ltd is a registered not-for-profit organisation with full tax concessions