Were Coptic Christians Better Off Under Hosni Mubarak?

As violent clashes take place in Egypt, some in the media are wondering whether Coptic Christians in the country were better off under the rule of former President Hosni Mubarak.

Since the Arab Spring began, Coptic Christians have experienced frequent attacks against them.

On Jan. 1, 2011, a car bomb set off at a Coptic church in Egypt killed 21 people and injured 79 more.

Last month, a riot broke out when Coptic Christians and liberal Muslims were protesting the burning of a Coptic Orthodox Church in which over 24 people were killed by Muslim fundamentalists. It was the worst case of sectarian violence in Egypt in 60 years.

In a separate incident in October, a Christian student was told to remove a cross around his neck. The student refused and was beaten to death by his teacher as well as his classmates.

Andre Aciman of The New York Times lived in Egypt and says he was targeted for his Jewish faith. To read more, click here.