Saturday, August 17, 2013

Updated: Egypt's Christians suffer amid deadly crackdown on opposition


Baptist church among 14 hit in Minya

Attacking churches across Egypt, pockets of supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi continue to retaliate against a deadly crackdown by government security forces.

Pro-Morsi demonstrators were angered by Wednesday's crackdown on protesters in Cairo. Widespread protests and violence continue throughout the country, with nearly 700 people reported dead and more than 3,700 injured.

The Muslim Brotherhood previously had warned that if government forces attacked its protesters, they would retaliate by attacking the country's minority Christian population.

So far, nearly 70 churches, Christian institutions and businesses have been attacked, burned or destroyed.

The attacks appeared to be planned, since they occurred nearly simultaneously across the country, Christianity Today reported, quoting one church leader in the town of Assuit as saying, "It had to be pre-planned. It happened [here] at the exact time the attacks happened in Cairo." Read more

Also see
New: Egypt presidency suggests Obama remarks may 'embolden armed groups'
New: Egypt's cabinet to debate fate of Muslim Brotherhood
New: Egypt has the right to use force to restore security: Presidency
Egypt protesters are terrorist, says PM's spokesman
Egypt Looks to Dissolve Muslim Brotherhood After Sweeping Arrests
Several Christians Injured Protecting Egypt Church Attacked by Islamists; Local Muslims Rush to Help Copts
Christian Businessman Calls on Egypt to Unite Against Terrorists to End Violence With 'Spirit of Reconciliation'
Most Egyptians Were Happier Under Mubarak, Gallup Poll Finds

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