Salafist preacher faces legal case for 'offending' Egypt's Morsi

Ahram Online, Monday 17 Sep 2012

Lawyer raises complaint against Wagdi Ghoneim after he slams President Morsi for calling Egypt a 'civil state' and meeting with artists, in internet clip

Wagdi Ghoneim
Fiery preacher Wagdi Ghoneim (Photo: AL-Ahram)

A lawyer, Ghoneim Farouq, filed a complaint, Sunday, to Egypt’s public prosecutor accusing controversial Salafist preacher Wagdi Ghoneim of offending President Mohamed Morsi.

In a video circulating social networks, the Salafist scholar condemned the president’s 6 September meeting with Egyptian artists, who he denounced as “promoters of immortality and prostitution.”

"If he claims to have met them as the president of all [Egyptians] then why doesn't he also meet with stoned people and homosexuals, aren't they Egyptian as well?" Ghoneim said to the camera.  

The notorious preacher, who is known for his controversial statements, further criticised Morsi for referring to Egypt as "a civil state", saying he did not vote for Morsi so that Egypt could become a civil state.

Farouq filed the complaint following what he called the “offensive” comments.

Ghoneim sparked controversy earlier this year during a visit to Tunisia where he promoted female genital mutilation and polygamy.

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