11/09/2019 Egypt (International Christian Concern) –  Three Upper Egyptian court cases involving Christians have again been delayed, although at least 2 of the cases stretch back several years prior.

The first case involves the murder of Coptic Christian Iskander Tous, who was killed in Dalga when the Muslim Brotherhood rampaged across Egypt in 2013. The case includes the burning and looting of Christian houses in Dalga. The postponement of the case is because of an absent member necessary to the case. It is expected that it will be postponed until November 13^th.

The second case involves a 2016 incident in Our Lady of Karm village. This incident was sparked by an accusation that a Christian man had an affair with a Muslim woman. The man’s mother, Souad Thabet, was stripped naked and forced to walk through the street. The pending court case in response to this incident has been postponed to an unspecified date in December.

The third case involves the burning of Coptic Christian homes last year in Abu Qurqas has been delayed until January 16, 2020.

Egyptian Christians have regularly complained of an absence of justice in cases where Christians are the victim. Oftentimes, the incident never makes it to court, as the government pressures Christians to resolve the issue through extra-judicial reconciliation sessions. However, these sessions rarely end in the Christians favor. Court cases such as these are often dragged out for several years, with no clear resolution. Meanwhile, the Christians from the impacted villages are often forced to relocate since justice is absent or delayed.

For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].