Egypt Sectarian Clash Leads To Multiple Deaths

May 7, 2011 11:15:15 PM

CAIRO, May 7 (Reuters) - At least five people were killed in a sectarian clash in Egypt on Saturday over a Christian woman who allegedly had converted to Islam, according to officials.

Interfaith relationships often cause tension in Egypt, where Christians make up about 10 percent of its 80 million people.

The strife represents another challenge to Egypt's military rulers who are trying to restore law and order after President Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down in a popular uprising in February.

Witnesses said some 500 conservative Islamists known as salafists gathered at the Saint Mina Church in the Cairo suburb of Imbaba demanding to take custody of a woman they said had converted to Islam.

A shouting match ensued between church guards and neighbours and the Islamists. The verbal clash developed into a full-fledged confrontation during which the two sides exchanged gunfire, firebombs and stones.

"I just left one young man dead inside the church," one Christian witness told journalists at the scene.

Authorities deployed large numbers of soldiers and police, backed by armoured vehicles, to the area. The army fired shots in the air and used teargas to separate both sides, witnesses said.

A security source put the death toll at six and said 75 had been wounded, according to the state MENA news agency. The director of the health department in Giza province, Abdel-Halim al-Behairi said five had died and 54 had been wounded. He told MENA that three of the wounded were in serious condition.

A Reuters witness said later that another church in the same area was on fire and had been severely damaged. There were no reports of any further casualties.

The Grand Mufti of Egypt Ali Gomaa, a senior Islamic religious figure, called for calm. "All Egyptians must stand shoulder to shoulder and prevent strife," he told MENA.

He also urged the military council to stop anyone from meddling with the security of Egypt.

Christians complain about unfair treatment, including rules they say make it easier to build a mosque than a church.

Last year Egypt saw more than its usual share of sectarian strife, and a rights groups has said such clashes have been on the rise. Muslims and Christians had been brought together during the protests that ousted Mubarak.

(Writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by Michael Roddy)

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click for Restrictions.

Comments

[Bobrobert]

08:46 AM on 05/17/2011

God loves Muslims...

If you are a Christian then the Holy Spirit fills you with love for Muslims...

I am just saying...

:-)

[casskiru]

01:52 AM on 05/18/2011

That is a very nice sentiment and all and I applaud you for feeling like making it,
but pray tell, what does it have to do with an article about Egypt that references the fact
that the majority Muslims treat the minority Copts like the garbage they are well-known
for collecting?

It isn't as if the Copts have a "special" innate talent for being garbage men, if you get my meaning.

How about the majority Muslims in Egypt get filled with a little love for the minority Copts?

Maybe things will change now there, but don't hold your breath waiting for it as it could quite possibly be extremely detrimental to your health.

"Just saying......."

[casskiru]

11:16 PM on 05/16/2011

I lived in Cairo for two years. I can't tell you how many Coptic Egyptians
lamented to me about the violence of the majority Muslims against them.

After the revolution perhaps this will change.

Up until now, Egyptian Coptic Christians have been treated like less than 3rd rate citizens and
discriminated against and abused as a general practice and a matter of course.

[copticdina]

02:41 PM on 05/09/2011

I have an issue with the way the media words this as clashes or fighting. It makes both parties sound implicit in the violence. The fact is these Muslim Fundamentalist groups are attacking churches and Christian businesses. They are killing Christians as they sit in church and destroying/burning the churches. It's an attack not a clash. If a person enters my home and attacks me, you wouldn't say clashes between me and the burglar would you?? The wording is deceptive. All these Christians want is to live in peace in Egypt but they are constantly under ATTACK from the Muslim fundamentalist, who wish to obliterate them.

[casskiru]

11:17 PM on 05/16/2011

Exactly right.

[Bobrobert]

08:40 AM on 05/17/2011

Sounds like the Republican attacks against Muslim religious groups in America.

I am just saying...

:-)

[Windfish]

02:15 PM on 05/09/2011

"Egypt Sectarian Clash Leads To Multiple Deaths "
Translatio­n from Poli- correctese
Muslim Mobs attack Christians and Burn Two Churches.

[casskiru]

11:40 PM on 05/16/2011

That was a very good and accurate translation from
poli- correctese.

Coptic Christians in Egypt have a he!! of a time of it there.

I know. I lived there for two years and every Copt I met had a completely miserable story of woe to tell me.

I defy anyone here, Egyptian or not, to tell me that the Copts in Egypt are not discriminated against.

Go ahead.

[youssif05]

01:44 PM on 05/09/2011

Why are people picturing Coptic Christians as a minority in Egypt terrorized by the BIG BAD Muslims. Everyone saying this has not lived or even visited Egypt or any country... I am an Arab, I am a Muslim, and I have several Christian friends. Islam does not encourage any kind of violence against other religious groups.

Chapter 109 of the Quraan states:

1. Say : O ye that reject Faith!

2. I worship not that which ye worship,

3. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

4. And I will not worship that which ye have been wont to worship,

5. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

6. To you be your Way, and to me mine.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Their is freedom of religion in Islam.
ever heard of the "Millet system" in Sharia? If you did not read on the topic, please do here on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millet_(Ottoman_Empire)

[jeffthescholar12]

03:59 PM on 05/09/2011

The Qu'ran also says that Israel belongs to the Jews. Many Islamic scholars think that the Palestinians are wrong to covet Israel because it is against the words of Allah. So the OT and the Qu'ran both state that Israel belongs to the Jews. Now if only the Palestinians would accept the word of Allah, they would realize that it is time to leave Israel to the Jews.

[Abdul-Halim Vazquez]

05:25 PM on 05/09/2011

And Orthodox Judaism used to teach that Israel wouldn't be restored until the Messiah comes and so Zionism and modern Israel is an impious attempt to pre-empt God's will. Some isolated groups like Neturei Karta still teach that.

[youssif05]

02:02 PM on 05/10/2011

Can you give me a verse in the Qur'an or an authentic Hadith that states so?

[casskiru]

11:22 PM on 05/16/2011

Oh please, you make me laugh.

The Copts in Egypt are consistently abused and discriminated against by the Muslim
majority.

I lived there, in Cairo, for two years and saw it first hand. YES, in fact the Coptic Christians ARE a minority, and they are often treated like 3rd class citizens, at best, and discriminated against and abused by the Muslim majority.

Are you Egyptian or what?

Either way, you just keep talking pie in the sky nonsense that has no bearing on reality
whatsoever as long as it makes you feel better to be a Muslim.

[lightningbolt]

12:53 PM on 05/09/2011

This is a test for the new Egyptian government.  How they handle this situation is likely to determine religious relations in the country for a long time.

[Taxim]

11:52 AM on 05/09/2011

Arizona

- Anti Muslim Posters posted at mosque June 2006,
- Glendale mosque burned December 2004

California

- Southern Calif. Mosque vandalized twice August 2006
- Milpitas Mosque vandalized again June 2006
- front door shattered at Milpitas mosque May 2006
- threatening flyer left at Pomona mosque February 2006
- mosque vandalized September 2005
- Adelanto mosque arson June 2005
- San Luis Obispo mosque vandalized September 2003
- Milpitas mosque site vandalized June 2002
- Lomita mosque vandalized December 2001
- Pigs blood thrown at San Francisco mosque September 2001
- Yuba City mosque burned September 1994

Colorado

- Fort Collins mosque vandalized April 2005
- Denver mosque receives threats May 2004
- plot to bomb Aurora mosque May 1999
- Fort Collins mosque vandalized January 1998

Connecticut

- Bridgeport mosque vandalized September 2001

D.C. - Muslim Community Center sign vandalized September 2005

Florida

- Sniper Shooting at Florida Mosque September 2006
- Broward County mosque vandalized April 2006
- Boca Raton mosque vandalized February 2005
- two mosques vandalized May 2004
- man drives truck into mosque March 2002
- Lake County mosque vandalized September 2001

[OliveColored]

01:41 PM on 05/09/2011

Vandalism versus mur der and being forced from your country.

[ObjectiveD]

02:51 PM on 05/09/2011

I bet you if you do your research, you'd find there are for more vandalism cases on churches in the U.S than mosques. These Muslim groups want to blockout any debate over what their religion by claiming they are somehow this poor minority group suffering which couldn't be farther from the truth.

[Taxim]

11:50 AM on 05/09/2011

Federal officials are investigating a fire that started overnight at the site of a new Islamic center in a Nashville suburb.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/08/28/national/main6814690.shtml

CRADLEY Heath’s Muslim community is appealing for help after its mosque was burnt to the ground by arsonists.
http://www.loonwatch.com/2009/12/cradley-heath-mosque-burned-to-the-ground-by-arsonists/

Texas

- San Antonio mosque vandalized May 2006
- anti-Muslim sign posted on Houston Mosque February 2006
- Austin mosque vandalized again January 2006
- Irving mosque vandalized September 2005
- El Paso mosque firebombed September 2004
- Denton mosque firebombed September 2004
- Champion mosque vandalized June 2004
- shots fired at Denton mosque April 2004
- Austin mosque firebombed September 2001
- Irving mosque vandalized September 2001

Virginia

- mosque vandalized January 2006
- Sterling mosque vandalized November 2003
- James City mosque threatened September 2001
- Norfolk mosque vandalized September 2001

[casskiru]

12:08 AM on 05/17/2011

What is your point in regard to this list you have assembled and how exactly does it
relate to the plight of Coptic Christians in Egypt?

[casskiru]

02:01 AM on 05/18/2011

I ask you again - what is your point?

You attempt to make light of the wrongs that people you sympathize with perpetrate against others by bringing up the wrongs that a wholly different group of people have perpetrated against the people you happen to sympathize with more than others.

One thing has NOTHING to do with the other.

Grow up.

Be an activist etc but try and take the blinders off.

It would serve you well.

[FACTISFACT]

06:36 AM on 05/09/2011

In the world of already religious intolerance, the burning down of churches adds to heighten the growing explosive situation which the Governments may not be able to contain or to stop once the violence erupts all over the world. therefore drastic is needed to be taken.

In the act of burning churches, whosoever were involved is highly condemnable and the Egyptian government must find out the individuals connected to the doing of the act and severely punish them as per the law of the land. If the penal provisions seem to need to be further strengthen then it should be done now.

It must be remembered by all citizens of the country that there is no majority or minority as far as the individual rights are concerned and also that the country belongs equally to all more so to every race sect and religious believers all have equal rights.

Therefore, it must also be understood clearly that the world community of nations is watching to see how very impartially and truthfully to its every citizens desire the Egyptian government deals with the crime committed in the killing and burning down the churches.

The Government should consider the cases as its decisive test to the path of Democracy.

Protesters of all religions those who voiced together to oust Mubarak must once again get together and help the government to do impartial and proper justice in the case of Church burning & damaging , and killing of people without any fear or

[GZLives]

11:04 AM on 05/09/2011

Coptic Christian emigration is rising exponentially now in Egypt. It appears that the Egyptian path to democracy will first take a detour - for who knows how long - to Islamism via Muslim Brotherhood and Salafist "Peace and Justice Party".

In that environment, the Christians know they are in grave danger and those who can afford to leave, will leave

[Taxim]

11:46 AM on 05/09/2011

This from or resident scholar on wheels. :))

[FACTISFACT]

01:13 PM on 05/09/2011

Hi! GZlives, thanks for your comment let us hope things settles down peacefully and better sense prevails on all not to repeat the same. Your contention regarding the future because of political reasons which if happen will also have its repercussion that will not be good for a country that recovered from a tyrant's rule to follow the Democratic system, but if some evil people guides the country's destiny back to miseries again then they will definitely heavy price for it.

However, thanks for the comment. Take care.

[Taxim]

06:29 AM on 05/09/2011

America had a President who said he consulted his father in heaven before invading Iraq, calling it a "Crusade") to rid the region of non-existent WMDs.

They have a President now who have to continually assure everyone he is a Christian.

America has a secret Christian group The family) of senators and congressmen who among other notable accomplishments help draft the anti-gay legislation in Uganda that could sentence repeat offenders to the death penalty.

Americans burn down mosques so regularly it rarely makes the news; unlike the Qur’ān burnings.

And on, and on, and on. But most people, especially Americans, don't attempt to define the whole country and culture by these events.

[erehwon2]

10:28 AM on 05/09/2011

Wow. We certainly are fortunate to have you to inform us about that secret Christian group of congressmen and senators and about all those mosques secretly being burned down.

Would you care to share your unimpeachable source with us?

[Taxim]

11:41 AM on 05/09/2011

http://www.examiner.com/progressive-in-portland/c-street-politics-the-family-sponsors-death-for-homosexuals-uganda

http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=120746516

Let me know when you need more noisy one.

[Taxim]

11:51 AM on 05/09/2011

http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=120746516

[JubalTHarshaw]

06:28 AM on 05/09/2011

Just another expression of peaceful Muslim responses to societal issues.

[Magic 62]

08:47 AM on 05/09/2011

With a comment like this, it's pretty obvious that you are made from the same cloth as those you are criticizing.

[JubalTHarshaw]

09:32 AM on 05/09/2011

Like it or not, while the vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists, the vast majority of terrorists are Muslims. If you are a Muslim you are more likley to be killed by another Muslim than by anyone else. We see daily reports of wholesale slaughter by Muslims all across the world. Your quip does nothing to change the reality that makes us distrust the followers of the Prophet. It is not bigotry to be aware of a well enunciated danger.

[Joe Padilla]

05:28 AM on 05/09/2011

This reminds me of the time when the DC Sniper clashed with all those people shopping at Home Depot and filling up at the gas station.

Remember those clashes?

[riff4u]

01:40 AM on 05/09/2011

Last I read the woman wanted to convert to Islam to get out of her unhappy marriage. The Coptic Church does not grant divorces except in extreme situations whereas in Islam divorce, even for a woman, is relatively easy. As for the Christians claiming it is easier to build a mosque in Egypt than a church.......they should come to the US and see this in the reverse.

[JubalTHarshaw]

06:31 AM on 05/09/2011

Nice spin. Anyone who thinks that Muslim marriage (in practice, not theory) is a status to be desired by women needs to reexamine the reality. As to mosque construction, we have millions of them. Some people understand that building one at Ground Zero and taking down historic Christian church to do so is a bad idea.

[Taxim]

07:01 AM on 05/09/2011

Idaho?

[spacekadet1]

04:37 PM on 05/09/2011

Point #1- The woman converted to Islam to get out of her miserable Christian marriage- FACT not SPIN. Point #2 "Millions" of mosques in the US- get real. Muslims from NYC to Murfreesboro TN to California have had roadblocks up to building new mosques.......most of it coming from evangelical Christians and their GOP allies.

[OliveColored]

01:45 PM on 05/09/2011

That is a lie.

Whenever Chri stians are attacked in Egypt it is always under the excuse of something the church was doing to a woman who wanted to convert. If you actually read the news coming from Egypt all that can be verified is that there was a RUMOR of this happening. But what you're also not getting is the fact that attacks against churches are being carried out in virtually every single part of the country.

[jeffthescholar12]

12:47 AM on 05/09/2011

The histories of the Arab countries are societies that function through rule of law imposed by an external force usually being the government in charge. When that external force is removed the citizens regress to their true nature which is hatred towards others and no rule of law nor respect for minorities that are different from the mainstream. Compare the Arab people to people who have that respect internalized like the Japanese who behaved well through the recent nuclear disaster. When rule of law has to be imposed from the outside like in Egypt events like the above will be commonplace once the dictators are overthrown.

[Dan Crabtree]

12:23 AM on 05/09/2011

Hard to beleive but egypt just three short years ago was in the top five for travel destinations..May not be a good idea anymore..shame.. lots of history..

[Erewhon7]

12:49 AM on 05/09/2011

it will be again. As soon as another Strong Hand comes comes to power, restores order and then cheered on by the same mobs now tired of the chaos.