Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol Kerman: I Support the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt

Following are excerpts from an interview with Yemeni Nobel Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman, which aired on BBC Arabic TV on September 15, 2013:

Tawwakol Karman: The most important achievement of the January [2011] Revolution [in Egypt] was the abolishment of the emergency law. Unfortunately, the July 3 [2013] coup reinstated that law. The Muslim Brotherhood and its supporters, who oppose the military rule, are engaged in a legendary struggle, which they are waging with their blood, their resolute steadfastness, and their belief that they will restore the revolution to its true path. They can do it without any favors from the military of the coup leaders.

Interviewer: Sometimes you criticize the Muslim Brotherhood, and sometimes you sound as if you are politically and ideologically partial to them. Yemeni activist Abd Al-Hafiz Al-Nahari said that you serve a narrow political agenda because you, in fact, belong to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Tawwakol Karman: You can hear it from me: Yes, at this stage, I am partial towards the Muslim Brotherhood, toward the coalition that rejects the coup against legitimacy, and toward all the Egyptian youths who oppose the coup against democracy and against the January [2011] Revolution. I will not remain neutral in this battle. This is my battle.

Interviewer: Why is this your battle? Why are you so worked up about Egypt? Why are you so involved in what is happening in Egypt?

Tawwakol Karman: Because Egypt is the jewel of the Arab Spring. If the Arab Spring fails in Egypt, it will fail everywhere.

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