French statue considered offensive by Egyptians back in spotlight
Egyptian archaeologists are taking advantage of the global anti-racism movement to renew their calls on the French government to remove a statue of Jean Francois Champollion, who deciphered hieroglyphics, kneeling on the head of a Pharaonic king.
The death May 25 of George Floyd has triggered massive international anti-racism demonstrations following calls to remove statues and monuments of historical personalities and achievements symbolizing racism and slavery.
Bassam el-Shammaa, a researcher in Egyptology and a senior tour guide, told Al-Monitor that the current protests that are rocking the United States and the United Kingdom and include the removal of racist statues are a golden opportunity for Egypt to demand the removal of the shameful Champollion statue in France.
