Millions of Egyptians huddled around their TV sets on Jan. 10 to watch the country’s new parliament convene. The Egyptian media called it a “historic moment.” Not only had the country been without a parliament for nearly four years (since the dissolution of the Islamist-majority parliament by a Supreme Court ruling in 2012), but the chamber’s inaugural session also marked the completion of the political road map unveiled by then-Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in July 2013.

Despite the voter apathy that marred the recent legislative elections, many Egyptians are pinning their hopes on the new parliament to pave the way for a more stable, secure and just society.

What should have been a moment of pride for Egyptians turned into disappointment: Parliament’s opening session plunged into chaos after controversial member of parliament Mortada Mansour refused to take the constitutional oath, voicing his objection to the wording, which alluded to the overthrow of former President Hosni Mubarak. Mansour’s hostile stance toward the 2011 revolution that led to the toppling of the longtime authoritarian president is no secret. He had on several occasions voiced his opposition to the 2011 movement for change, saying that it had been “hijacked by the Muslim Brotherhood” and that “the real revolution was the one that took place on June 30,” which is a reference to the mass protests that helped topple the democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi. Still, many were caught off-guard by the lawmaker’s reluctance to recite the constitutional oath. Surprise quickly gave way to dismay, prompting scores of activists to turn to social media networks to express their concern.

Appearing as a guest on a talk show on the Egyptian privately owned Ten TV, human rights defender Malek Adly criticized Mansour’s behavior, reminding him that the constitution recognizes the January 25 Revolution and ought to be respected.