جريدة الأهرام الجديد الكندية
مقالات مشابهة
Ashraf Helmy
The echoes of statements made by Canadian MP Garnet Genius two weeks ago in the Canadian Parliament regarding the disappearance of the minor Selvana Atef Fanous in Egypt continue to reverberate. Despite the pleas from her family for her return, there has been no response from Egyptian authorities.
This silence from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s government raises concerns about the damage to Egypt’s international reputation, particularly in the fields of human rights and child welfare.
In light of this situation, the Coptic community in Canada held a peaceful demonstration under the slogan “Stand with Selvana” this past Sunday, where participants carried signs demanding the return of the child to her family.
Undoubtedly, the silence of Egyptian authorities, including the Ministries of Interior and Social Solidarity, regarding the case of Selvana’s disappearance since late October, following Mr. Genius’s remarks and the Coptic protest in Canada, suggests that her disappearance was both forced and deliberate.
This implies a tacit agreement with Mr. Genius’s statements, in which he expressed concern over Selvana’s situation—she suffers from a mental disability and is reportedly in the custody of an older man who claims she has converted to Islam and plans to marry.
The way Egyptian authorities have treated her family, coupled with their indifference, constitutes a flagrant violation of Egyptian law, in line with the saying that silence signifies consent.
The Coptic demonstration in Canada in solidarity with Selvana’s family marks the first such protest by expatriate Copts during President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s administration.
This situation recalls the plight of Copts in Egypt prior to the June Revolution.
Copts have numerous pressing questions for the relevant authorities concerning Selvana’s disappearance, seeking clear answers.
These questions include: “Where has the Ministry of Social Solidarity hidden the minor Selvana? Why have Egyptian authorities failed to respond to the statements made by the Canadian MP? Has the child suffered any harm that prevents her from being returned to her family? And why has the Coptic Church not intervened to resolve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of one of its children and to save her?”
This situation necessitates that Prime Minister Madbouly’s government act swiftly to return the child to her family, hold accountable those who concealed her from her family, and call to justice all officials involved in covering up her disappearance.
This is essential to uphold social peace, prevent sectarian strife, and enhance Egypt’s reputation in international forums that have been negatively affected by the disappearance of dozens of Coptic women over the past few years
