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MPs Furious Over Pope Shenouda Mistreatment at Heathrow Airport

Muslim Bortherhood MPs expressed dismay and fury over the offensive inspection of Pope Shenouda III at Britain’s Heathrow airport on March 30th 2008. Shenouda was compelled to take off his cap and shoes, examined by X-rays, and denied access to the VIP lounge.

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Muslim Bortherhood MPs expressed dismay and fury over the mistreatment of Pope Shenouda III at London Heathrow Airport on March 30th 2008 by security personnel. Shenouda was forced to take off his cap and shoes, screened by X-rays, and denied access to the VIP lounge as he always does.

Saber Abul-Fotouh, member of the MB parliamentary bloc, joined other independent MPs in submitting an urgent inquiry.

MPs called on Egypt"s Minister of Foreign Affairs to swiftly react to the event instead of ignoring it; adding that the same unacceptable measures have repeatedly taken place with renowned Muslim scholars in European and U.S. airports.

MB parliamentarians stressed that Pope Shenouda should be treated with high respect as a respectable religious figure who has millions of followers all over the world, adding that his humiliation requires strong Egyptian diplomatic reaction.

MPs called for a joint meeting between the foreign relations committee and the religious affairs committee to discuss the matter and decide on the next steps if the British Foreign Office refuses to offer an official apology.

Abul-Fotouh, alongside MB MPs Mahmoud Mujahid and Abdullah Eliwah; as well as Muhammad Abdl-Aleem Dawoud from Al- Wafd Party, Muhammad Abdul-Aziz Shaaban from Tajammu` Party, Saad Abboud from Al-Karamah Party, Dr. Jamal Zahran; independent, and Jamal al-Zeini from the ruling NDP, stated that it is unacceptable to overlook this incident, asserting that religious figures from different religions receive respectful treatment wherever they go.