Christian Entity Condemns Increasing Attacks on Churches in Egypt

Cairo, 11 January, 2024 / 4:22 PM

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a UK-based human rights group, has condemned the increasing attacks on churches in Upper Egypt. 

In a Thursday, January 11 report, CSW highlighted the attack on two churches, the latest being an arson on a temporary church building in Misha’at Zaafaranah village in Abou Qarqas in Minya Province, Upper Egypt in the early morning of January 6. 

According to the Christian foundation, the temporary structure erected within the Church's land was erected four months ago after obtaining a permit from the government. 

“CSW is concerned at the rising frequency of attacks on churches and Christian homes in Upper Egypt. While we are relieved that no one was hurt in these most recent incidents,” CSW Founder President, Mervyn Thomas said. 

He added, “We strongly condemn these sectarian attacks on innocent people who simply want to practice their faith peacefully, a right enshrined in the Egyptian constitution.”

On December 18, a local mob attacked Christian homes and a church building site in Al-Azeeb village in Samalout, Minya Province, Upper Egypt.

An extremist mob is said to have attacked the church building site and homes in the village that is home to some 3,000 Coptic Christians when workers at the site were digging the ground to lay the foundation. 

The mob reportedly threw stones and Molotov cocktails, which set fire to several houses and livestock belonging to Christians before clashing with police officers who were deployed to contain the situation.

In November, a mob attacked a Christian man and burned in the village of Beni Khyar in Abou Qarqas.

In the CSW report,  a source says “Muslim extremists are not only protesting against and attacking new churches, but also attacking newly-built or under construction houses belonging to Christians if they suspect that such properties might be used for any form of worship.”

The extremists are also intimidating and threatening Christians to prevent them from selling their properties to anyone who is not a local resident, the source tells CSW.

CSW Founder President has called on Egyptian authorities to contain the matter. 

He says, “Whilst we recognise President Sisi’s stated commitment to reform, crackdown on sectarianism, and to uphold and promote principles of equal citizenship, , we call upon the authorities to hold those responsible accountable and to ensure that all Egyptian citizens are free to practice any religion or belief of their choosing.”