December 2011

Last month we reported that 34 people, mainly Coptic Christians, remained in detention for their alleged involvement in the violence in Cairo on 9 October that left 26 protesters (23 Christians and three Muslims) and one soldier dead.

Middle East Concern has reported on 17 December that all but one of those in detention have now been released. Six were freed after initial investigations. A further 27 were released, pending further investigations, on 15 December after a judge accepted an appeal to revoke the prosecution’s recent decision to extend their detention another 15 days.

Coptic icon of Christ (Indian Talkies)

Christian leaders, among others, continue to call for the release of the final detainee, Alaa Abdel Fattah, a Muslim, who has been detained on multiple occasions for speaking out against the former regime and the army.

Elections for the lower house of Parliament in Egypt have not delivered any one party an overall majority of seats, meaning a coalition will need to be formed. Many Christians fear a strong Islamist presence in the lower house of the parliament will leave minorities, including Christians, further marginalised and restricted. However, some Christian leaders are maintaining a sense of hope amidst uncertainty and fear. For example, Coptic Catholic Patriarch Antonios Naguib commented, “We have a great hope that a better situation will come out. There are many groups that are convinced and working hard for democracy and for a society and constitution based on human rights, and equality, and civic society.”

David Victor Youssef of the Coptic Evangelical Organisation for Social Service expressed concern that radical Islamic groups won more than 40% of the seats in the lower house of the parliament.

Political uncertainty, a fear of the radical agenda of political Islamic groups, the deteriorating economic situation in Egypt and increased sectarian violence has sparked a wave of emigration amongst Egypt’s Christians. Many are migrating to countries such as the USA, Canada and Australia.

Christian organisation Middle East Concern also has reported two Christians and a Muslim were killed in Sohag province on 28 November. The incident started with an argument between two neighbours, one Christian and one Muslim, which turned violent when the Christian acted aggressively, provoking a wider confrontation.