Slow Response by Egyptian Security Forces Aiding Violence Against Coptic Christians
The Egyptian Coalition for Minorities (ECM) has denounced the sectarian violence against Christian Copts, noting that it had monitored a large number of violations against Christians in the country.
The coalition criticized the state's lack of regard for attacks against Christians, despite the numerous incidents this month, including the attack in Dabaaya, Luxor leaving four dead and the attack against Beni Ahmed's Copts recently on Aug. 3, which lead to the destruction of 24 shops, seven houses and nine cars.
"If we considered the governmental approach in dealing with sectarian violence during the past three years, we would see that the he is either involved in or ignores these violations without interfering to protect its own citizens," the coalition said in a statement.
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The ECM stressed the need for suspending the shameful inaction adopted by the Egyptian authorities, including inaction by the interior ministry.
The statement also expressed resentment over the continued use of blasphemy charges to persecute Christians saying it could further fuel instability and societal tensions.
The ECM urged the state to take the necessary measures to confront sectarian and social violence witnessed in the country.
Attacks on Christians have significantly increased since the dismissal of the Muslim Brotherhood president; a Coptic priest was assassinated in North Sinai, while in Luxor four Copts were murdered and 23 houses burned down, on allegations of a local Muslim being murdered by Copts. A Coptic church in Port Said was attacked, while most churches in the country have halted their meetings for fear of repeated attacks, especially after Morsi's supporters threatened them.
Some acts perpetrated against Copts include the murders of a Coptic Orthodox priest in Arish and the beheading of a Copt in Sheikh Zowaid, as well as attacks in other governorates.
