Egyptian Policeman Complicit in Church Attack
12/22/2018 Egypt (International Christian Concern) – Nearly a year ago, on December 29th, ICC reported about a terrorist attack against an Egyptian church in Helwan City. One of the attackers was wearing a suicide vest but police prevented him from entering the church. One of the church’s security guards, a Muslim, was killed while defending the church. In total, six Christians were killed due to injuries sustained during the attack.
Twelve months later, according to Watani, Egypt’s prosecutor has referred eleven suspects to criminal court. One of the suspects is a policeman from Beni Suef. The terrorist charges against them cover activities from 2016 – March 2018, including the incident in Helwan City. It is unclear how many of the other activities include violence against Christians.
However, it is concerning that yet another Egyptian policeman is included in a group whose aim involved targeting Christians. This past August a policeman—also from Beni Suef—entered a church and attempted to incite violence against Christians worshiping there. Earlier this month, a policeman in Minya has been charged with the premeditated murder of two Christians.
For interviews with Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: [email protected].
