The Salafi-led Nour Party is not hostile toward art, said a party spokesperson Wednesday evening, noting the party only objects to movies that spread negative values.
Nader Bakkar added that his party seeks the establishment of a political system in which people respect each other's opinions under the rule of law.
During a phone interview with privately owned Dream satellite channel, Bakkar said Egyptian cinema showcases trivial works that do not stimulate the minds of young people. He noted that some artistic works are still meaningful.
Bakkar refused to answer when asked when was the last time he watched a movie on television or in a theater.
"We say to artists: Help this artists' community through being its real conscience and [helping] elevate it," Bakkar said.
Bakkar rejected rumors that the Nour Party believes art should be forbidden, saying: "We have not said that art is forbidden; Islamic civilization is the biggest proof of the existence of sophisticated art [in Islam]."
During the program, journalist Mohamed al-Getany accused the Nour Party of not respecting the judgment of Islamic institution Al-Azhar, and said Bakkar’s answers were evasive.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
