Conflicting statements on Abdel Dayem appointment to Culture Ministry

There have been conflicting statements about why Inas Abdel Dayem, who was reported to have been appointed minister of culture, did not take the position. Saber Arab, a professor of history at Al-Azhar University was made culture minister.

On Tuesday privately-owned daily al-Watan reported that Abdel Dayem had turned down the portfolio two hours before she was due to be sworn in because of death threats she had received from Islamists — and in particular the Nour Party.
 

A renowned flute player, Abdel Dayem was made head of the Opera Cultural House in 2012 until former Culture Minister Alaa Abdel Aziz, a Brotherhood figure, removed her earlier this year. The decision provoked a major clash between Morsi’s government and cultural figures, who occupied the Culture Ministry’s Cairo headquarters in protest at attempts to “Brotherhoodize” the ministry.

The media today reported that Abdel Dayem has denied she refused the post. Youm7 quotes her as saying that she was informed that there is pressure on the Hazem al-Beblawi government not to select her for this position in a transitional government and in light of current circumstances. On the basis of this, Abdel Dayem is quoted as saying, she turned down the position “in the interests of the country.”

Abdel Dayem is also quoted as saying that she did not receive any threats.

Al-Watan, who originally reported the threats story, responded by putting online a telephone recording it says is with Abdel Dayem.

In the recording Abdel Dayem says on the subject of accepting the position that “matters are bad and it’s a bit risky.”

Pressed on whether she received threats she says, “to some extent.” She says that individuals “belonging to the Islamist current” told her they would “set things on fire and set her on fire” if she accepted.