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SAAD EDDIN IBRAHIM

CASTS DOUBTS ON PLANS BY AL-TAFKIR WAL-HIJRA TO BLOW UP IBN KHALDOUN CENTER al-Masry al-Youm - October 15, 2007 by Mahasen al-Sinousi and Magdy Samaan The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ibn Khaldoun Center for Development Studies, Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim, questioned the eventuality that members of al-Takfir wal Hijra elements might blow up the center, as affirmed by security service reports. Speaking to ‘al-Masry al-Youm’ on the phone from Qatar, he said that these were probably just groundless allegations to spread uncertainty, cause turmoil, escalate the war of nerves against the center, further tarnish its reputation and murder national personalities, including the founder of the center. He added that they had not heard about al-Takfir wal Hijra group for years and wondered why it had suddenly re-appeared. Saad Eddin mentioned an incident that occurred from January 10 to May 2000. His family was threatened on the phone and he was accused of atheism. The language used by those at the other end of the phone suggested that they belonged to religious groups. “We immediately phoned security services and asked them to protect us and intercept phone calls. I tapped my phone, as well,” he said. “Afterwards, this five-month series of threats came to an end.” Ibrahim demanded that security services unveil the names of the elements targeting him. Although he doubted that some elements of al-Takfir wal Hijra groups had fled, he said that this escape had serious implications. “If something bad happened to me or if some people tried to track me down abroad, those responsible would be these very runaways,” he added. He ended the interview by saying, “Perhaps I am only guessing given the lack of transparency and information. All we can do is wait and see what will happen over the next few days.” About the way he is going to spend the coming holidays, he said: “I am on my way to Vietnam to pay a visit to my son. He works there as engineer for a British oil company.” In the same context, the director of the center, Eng. Ahmed Rezk, questioned the veracity of what was published. He said: “I do not think that this news is true. If it is, it is much better that they (security services) have arrested them (the members of the organization).” He finally added that the center will take security precautions and stressed that it will not be affected by what has been published

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