‘Fanatic’ Muslim mob torches 80 Christian homes in Egypt over church rumour

Source: Express

June 21, 2016

More than 80 Christian properties were targeted in the attack

The Muslim mob, which were described as “fanatic” by a terrified witness, began wreaking havoc at a Christian-owned building which was under construction.

The crowd believed it was set to be turned into a Christian church and took umbrage, setting fire to the building and other nearby Christian properties.

They also destroyed the construction materials and injured Christians who attempted to reason with them.

Christian resident Mousa Zarif said: “On Friday afternoon, following Friday noon prayer, a great deal of fanatic Muslims gathered in the front of the new house of my cousin, Naim Aziz, during its construction because of a rumour spread in the village that this building would be turned into a church.

“They were chanting slogans against us. Among these slogans were: ‘By no means shall there be a church here.’”

Christian residents of the village of Al-Beida are currently forced to travel four miles to pray at the Holy Virgin and the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church.

When the church’s priest heard what was taking place in the village he rushed to the scene, where he was also set upon.

Zaire said: “They also intercepted the car of Father Karas Naser, the priest of the Holy Virgin and the Archangel Michael Coptic Church when he arrived at the village.

“They attacked him but some moderate Muslims intervened, rescuing him from their hands and getting him out of the car."

The attack took place in the Egyptian village of Al-Beida

Christianity and Islam have an uneasy relationship in parts of the Middle East

Police were called to the scene but either could not or refused to stop the destruction. The crowd continued to set homes and cars on fire in the presence of officers, and also gathered outside the doors to Christian buildings to perform their afternoon prayers on loudspeakers.

Anba Makarios, a Christian cleric for the region, said: “No one did anything and the police took no pre-emptive or security measures in anticipation of the attacks.

“We are not living in a jungle or a tribal society. It's incorrect for anyone to declare himself judge, police and ruler."

International Christian Concern, which reports on persecution against Christians, said the attack was “unspeakable.”

A spokesman said: “We are heartbroken and frustrated for the Christian community in Al-Beida and the terror they have endured. The police and government authorities in Egypt cannot allow these attacks to go unpunished because the victims come from a minority faith.

“It is unspeakable that the victims of these attacks were charged with crimes while the perpetrators continue to enjoy total impunity. It continues to show how Christians in Egypt are treated like second class citizens. We call on the Egyptian authorities to ensure that justice is served and that Christian communities like this be protected from further assault in Egypt."