Riyadh: Cartoons Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bearded, wearing the niqab (veil) has angered Muslim hardliners. The photos were posted online by Christian businessmen in Egypt to advertise his mobile phone company. Ultra-conservative Muslim group known as Salafis call the posted cartoons of high officials and politicians Naguib Sawiris media had insulted Islam, Wednesday (29 / 6).
bearded Mickey Mouse Cartoon ads get criticized
The Salafis have since launched a campaign on Facebook and Twitter to calling on Muslims to boycott Sawiris phone company. After the cartoon posted online, suddenly getting criticism on Twitter.
The cartoons are other sources that triggered sectarian tensions in Egypt. Even the cartoons that caused the stock Mobinil and Orascom Telecom, both companies are owned by the Sawiris, Egypt's stock market fell on.
Sawiris is the founder of the Liberal Party who believe in secular Egypt. He has several media companies and after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was ousted in February, it called for the separation of state and religion.
As a result of the cartoon, Sawiris also apologized. The apology was delivered in a twitter account. "I'm sorry for those who do not accept this as a joke. I just thought it was funny images; do not mean disrespect. I'm sorry".
Some groups on Facebook calling for boycotting the company's cell phone and now has about 60,000 followers.
At least 15 Salafi lawyers have filed lawsuits accusing Sawiris in contempt of religion, said an official in the prosecutor's office.
This is not the first time Sawiris sparked criticism with comments about Islam. In 2007, he spoke out against the veil. He told the newspaper: "I am not against the veil ... but when I run, I feel like a stranger".
Salafism is a very conservative Islamic groups. Salafis are distinguished by how they dress. In many parts of Cairo women wear the niqab - a veil which shows only the eyes. While the followers of men often have long beards and shave their mustaches, their style is said to imitate the Prophet, Muhammad.
Political commentators worried about the controversial cartoons could trigger further violence on the streets of Egypt ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in September.
