Egyptian officials have blamed the attacks on “extremists” and also on a “deranged man.” Well, which is it? And why can’t they control their extremists and deranged man? Could it be because many in the government are in sympathy with such forces? “Sectarian tensions flare in Egypt,” from the BBC, with thanks to JE:
Muslims and Coptic Christians have clashed for a third day in Alexandria, Egypt, after a Coptic worshipper was stabbed to death in church.
The latest skirmishes broke out near one of three churches attacked by armed men on Friday, reports said.
At least one person has died in violence since the stabbing.
Egyptian officials have blamed the attacks on extremists, but Coptic Christians say the government is not doing enough to protect them.
Sunday’s violence erupted shortly after a religious service ended at the Saints Church, the Associated Press news agency reported.
About 2,000 riot police cordoned off the front of the church after about 200 men left the building carrying crosses, clubs and machetes, the agency said.
A Muslim man injured in clashes the previous day has died in hospital, medical sources said.
Saturday’s violence followed the funeral of Nushi Atta Girgis, 78, who died in one of three knife attacks on Friday.
Mourners shouted anti-government slogans as the funeral procession – attended by an estimated 3,000 people – turned into a protest outside the church where the funeral was held.
Police fired tear gas and tried to separate the groups, who threw stones and attacked each other with sticks. At least 15 people were arrested and 22 injured.