Violence in Egypt's Christian community raises questions about rights

Published: 2006-04-21

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Recent stabbings and violence in Egypt's Christian community raise questions about their rights as a minority, said a Coptic Orthodox journalist. Youssef Sidhom, editor in chief of Watani, a Coptic weekly newspaper in Alexandria, Egypt, said the nation's Christians suffer from marginalization and are denied their right to occupy chief posts in the public sector and in the government. He spoke in a telephone interview with Catholic News Service. The recent violence began April 14, when Coptic Orthodox churches were full of worshippers celebrating Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, normally celebrated on Palm Sunday. This year, Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter April 23; in Egypt, however, Coptic Christians generally attend church on Fridays because weekends are observed Friday and Saturday. An attacker broke into St. George Church and stabbed people in the back row. About forty-five minutes later, another church was attacked.

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