Release International

At least 25 people were killed yesterday during a demonstration in Cairo by Christians protesting about the destruction of a church building in Aswan Province on September 30.

Precise details are still emerging. The demonstration had been called because of concern about the lack of effective intervention by the security forces in Aswan and the attitude of the province's governor.

The protest, which started at around 4pm in the Shubra neighbourhood and ended in the Maspero area of downtown Cairo, was apparently disrupted by thugs. When protesters left Shubra they were attacked by people throwing stones. After some time the protesters continued their march. Eyewitness reports mention that residents of the neighbourhood of Bulaq then attacked the marchers. Once the protesters arrived in Maspero they were met by thugs who attacked them with stones and sticks. When some of the protesters threw stones back at these attackers the army intervened and attacked the marchers. The army used live ammunition and drove into the crowds with armoured personnel carriers.

Later in the evening there were reports of sporadic violence against Christian-owned businesses and fighting close to the Coptic Hospital, where most of the bodies of the dead and wounded had been brought.

Christians are alarmed at the disproportionate use of force. The official death toll is currently 25, allegedly including some members of the security forces. More than 200 were injured.

Egypt's ruling military council has called for a swift investigation into the violence.

For a country profile and more news about Egypt, click here

(Sources: Middle East Concern, BBC)

• Pray that the Church and other community leaders will know God's guiding wisdom at this time and that there will be effective action to address inter-religious violence.
•  Pray that the bereaved will know the comfort and presence of God and that the wounded and traumatised will know the healing touch of Jesus.
• Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict all those seeking to stir up religious tensions in Egypt.

Back to top