AP Interview: Egypt atheist blasts Islamist regime

CAIRO (AP) — An Egyptian atheist convicted then released from prison on bail this week told The Associated Press Wednesday that the new Islamist government is no better than the dictatorial regime it replaced.

The blasphemy case against Alber Saber, 27, is seen by rights advocates as part of a campaign by Egypt’s ultraconservative Islamists to curb free expression. It underlines the growing divide between the country’s powerful Islamists and those who say their uncompromising approach is creating a new authoritarian system that does not represent all Egyptians.