2/19/11, Letter to Editor, The Dallas Morning News

On Feb. 11, the world witnessed a moment of democratic history as young Egyptians successfully ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

However, this change in regime has disastrous potential for Egypt's religious minorities. While Egypt is predominately Muslim, its current constitution guarantees protection and equal rights for all its citizens. Despite Mubarak's dictatorial rule, he actively protected many of Egypt's religious minorities.

For example, on Jan. 16, Mohamed Ahmad Hassanian, a Muslim, received the death penalty for massacring Christians during their New Years Mass. I am an American and a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization USA, which champions religious freedom, and I condemn Hassanian's egregious actions.

As a new regime assumes control of Egypt, it is vital that it preserve the just attributes of the previous regime and extend religious freedom to all Egyptians, regardless of gender, race or religion.