Breaking News: CAIR Welcomes Mubarak’s Departure as Step Toward Freedom

Muslim civil rights group calls for ‘clean break’ from authoritarian rule

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/11/11) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a “first step toward freedom” and said there must now be a clean break with authoritarian rule and a swift transition to an open and transparent civilian government.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“We welcome the departure of President Mubarak as a first step toward freedom in Egypt. We urge our own government and the international community to now support a swift transition to a civilian administration that operates in an open and transparent manner and is representative of all segments of Egypt’s diverse society.

“The struggle for freedom that began in Tunisia and spread throughout the region should be an example to all oppressed people and should help re-focus American policies in the Middle East and the Muslim world on positively engaging civil societies to promote democracy.

“We call on all those whose courageous actions in recent weeks brought about such historic changes to maintain peaceful pressure until all vestiges of past political repression and the denial of human rights are removed.

“Only through a clean break from dictatorship will the Egyptian people be able to begin the process of building a free and prosperous society in which minority rights are protected and the rule of law is maintained.

“Once again, people in the Muslim world are defying the myths and stereotypes about Islam, democracy and the peaceful expression of a universal desire for freedom and justice.”

Awad said CAIR also welcomed President Obama’s statements in support of a “genuine transition” to democracy in Egypt.

“President Obama demonstrated that he is on the right side of history by supporting the will of the Egyptian people,” said Awad.

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com