By Lucky Gold

We are much more liberal than everyone else thinks we are

The results of Egypt’s historic presidential election are not yet official, but with Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate, claiming victory, while the military apparently retains power, the voting has created more questions than answers.

To address some of those questions Jihad Haddad, a spokesman for Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, appeared Monday on Amanpour. He was asked if women and Christians, among others, should be frightened if Mohamed Morsi becomes president.

On the contrary, said Haddad, “Their rights will be safeguarded much more than it was during Mubarak’s time. All personal freedoms will be safeguarded. They will have complete freedom in every one of their choices, even religion.”

Speaking to Christiane Amanpour in Cairo, Haddad addressed the perception of the Muslim Brotherhood: “Everything that has been echoed about the Muslim Brotherhood is probably much more lies than truth,” he said. “In reality, we are much more liberal than everyone else thinks we are.”

Haddad is unfazed by the military’s assertion of power over the parliament and over the presidency. “Everything is running smoothly,” he said. According to Haddad, parliament will meet as planned this week, potentially forcing a confrontation with military rulers and Egypt’s high court. FULL POST