Adviser to Egyptian Pres. Morsi talks about rights for Egyptian women
Egypt’s presidential adviser on national security Dr. Essam Al Haddad spoke with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer about the current affairs in Egypt, what Sharia law may look like for women and more. A highlight from the interview is below and please visit http://archives.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/2012.12.05.html for a full transcript of the program.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM INTERVIEW
THIS IS A RUSH FDCH TRANSCRIPT. IT MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BLITZER: Will Sharia law be imposed in Egypt?
AL HADDAD: Well, Sharia law, as we understand it, is the basis values of the 25th revolution. It’s dignity, it’s justice, it’s freedom. How to implant this within the country, this is something the parliament will decide.
BLITZER: What will that mean for Egyptian women?
AL HADDAD: Well, Egyptian woman has all the right to be in power to make their own choices. This is how we see a democratic state.
(CROSSTALK)
AL HADDAD: Well, yes, they do have now in Egypt equal rights as men, but we have to identify the traditions and the awareness of these rights. Our role is to empower women to have better choices and let them make their own choices.
BLITZER: Because when we think of Sharia Law, we think of Saudi Arabia. Is that what you want in Egypt?
AL HADDAD: I think Egypt is different from Saudi Arabia and different from other countries.
BLITZER: Will women have to wear the veil?
AL HADDAD: Well, have to? It’s the woman choice. If they want to wear the veil, it is the right —
BLITZER: What if they don’t want to?
AL HADDAD: It is their right to do.
BLITZER: So, that won’t change?
AL HADDAD: Nobody will impose anything on anybody as long as it is within the framework of the law.
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