Punished for winning – Egyptian Kung Fu champion humiliated for displaying Rabaa symbol

IACPDA is shocked and saddened to hear the Egyptian Kung Fu Association’s decision to deport its champion fighter and strip him of his Egyptian nationality, gold medal & prize money.

In an unprecedented move, the association’s statement also continues to confirm that he will be banned from representing his country, Egypt, at the forthcoming Kung Fu World Championships to be held in Kuala Lumpur on the 26th November.

The champion, Muhammad Yusuf, triumphed against Iranian player Arman Paziari with a score of 0 /2 during a match which took place in Russia.

He is photographed receiving his gold medal, wearing a yellow T-shirt & making the 4-fingered "R4BIA" salute in clear solidarity with those who were brutally massacred during the military assault and forceful dispersal of peaceful protestors on 14th August 2013.

Egyptian Kung Fu Association insists that Yusuf’s case will be "investigated" immediately, as the Association refuses to involve sports with politics in light of Egypt’s current political turmoil.

IACPDA is dismayed with the double discourse and hypocrisy of the military junta whose minister of sport, on the occasion of the Egypt vs. Ghana match, claimed that a victory for Egypt would have allegedly been a "victory" for the ruling junta.

IACPDA is appalled at the ruling, a clear repression of the basic human right of expression, and calls upon the International Kung Fu Federation to demand his reinstatement.

IACPDA is an inclusive apolitical, non-partisan, non-religious global umbrella body opposed to military rule and dedicated to the restoration of democracy.