A group of internet users have created a Facebook page supporting prominent Salafi cleric Mohamed Hassan for presidency.
The 50-year-old influential preacher had maintained an apolitical stance during ousted President Hosni Mubarak’s rule and sometimes advocated anti-Christian sentiments, especially when the regime’s relation to the Orthodox Church deteriorated. Hassan has never criticized Mubarak, arguing that it’s religiously forbidden to oppose the ruler.
Hassan spearheaded campaigns to urge Egyptians to vote in favor of constitutional amendments during the 19 March referendum. The amendments leave untouched a part of the Constitution that names Islam as Egypt's official religion and main source of legislation.
About 18,000 users "liked" the Facebook page, which is called "I want God's orders. I want Sheikh Mohamed Hassan as president of Egypt."
Salafi groups call for drafting laws based on the Quran and Prophet Mohamed’s teachings. Secular and liberal Egyptians fear what Islamist or extremist groups would do if given the chance to dominate politics.
Hassan has broadcast his ideas during the past four years on several satellite TV channels.
