The Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) regrets the loss of innocent lives in today's violent events that took place this evening, Sunday, October 9, 2011 in front of the radio and television headquarters in Maspiro (Cairo) between the Coptic demonstrators and Egyptian soldiers and police. We extend our deep condolences to the families of the martyrs who died in the bloody clashes, and to all Egyptians.

The party emphasizes that the problems of the nation must be resolved in the framework of mutual understanding and the rule of law, with the adoption of the right of peaceful protest of the masses, which must be exercised within the framework of non-aggression on others and not endangering the safety and security of the homeland, citizens or institutions. Demands should be expressed in the context of the commitment to peaceful action. However, to turn this right to peaceful demonstration into violent clashes and shootings with casualties as seen today is unprecedented. This is what we must not allow – all of us, Muslims and Christians together – and what should be the subject of urgent investigations.

The party emphasizes that the legitimate demands and grievances of Egyptians, inherited from the former regime, are the subject of consideration and evaluation. The interim government should respond by eliminating all injustice as soon as possible. Meanwhile, all of us together must not allow ourselves or others to break the law or shed the blood of fellow Egyptians. These attacks are evidently criminal and we all must face them. Further, we all must balance our rights and duties, and be determined not to allow chaos to disrupt our progress towards building a state of law and order. That is the only way to guarantee the maintenance of our rights and an end to all our grievances.

The FJP appeals to all Egyptians to be responsible and to stop all acts of violence immediately. That is not worthy of the children of this one nation.

May God protect our Egypt from all evil
Dr. Mohamed Saad Katatni
FJP Secretary-General