Online satire turns into persecution in Egypt.

Roberta Namour - 247, in Paris - Egyptian telecommunications magnate Naguib Sawiris has sparked outrage from the courts and internet users. He posted an image on his Twitter page of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Walt Disney characters, dressed in Islamic robes. The drawing was accompanied by the message "Here is the future of Egypt," referring to the growing visibility of Islamist groups since the popular uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak from power earlier this year. Several lawyers have filed lawsuits against him for insulting Islam. Online, a campaign is also being organized on Facebook and Twitter to boycott his mobile phone company, Mobinil.

In the image released by the businessman, a Catholic who has shown political ambitions after the fall of President Hosni Mubarak, Mickey Mouse appears with a beard and a tunic, and Minnie Mouse with a full veil. Since then, the billionaire has tried to make amends with internet users on Twitter: "I apologize to everyone who didn't take this as a joke. I thought it was a funny image, without being disrespectful." For some of his followers, the public reaction was a bit exaggerated, but for others, the apologies are unacceptable. "The line between freedom of expression and disrespect is very narrow," wrote one internet user.

The action gained even more attention in a context where Egypt is experiencing a moment of tension between Muslims and Catholics.