Egypt: police stage major operation to protect Christians

Bishop Kyrillos William

In the first three days of February, Egyptian security forces have carried out a huge operation in the city of Assiut to dismantle an organized crime network that has staged many kidnappings, robberies, violent attacks and extortion against the local Coptic community.

The Coptic Catholic Bishop of Assiut, Kyrillos William said this intervention marks a decisive change of policy in the activities of the local police.

He said: "For months and months, Coptic families and entire communities in Assiut and the province have lived in anguish. kidnappings took place every day. Recently, the brother of one of our priests was also kidnapped, who is a pharmacist. The perpetrators of these crimes were known to all, but when the Copts claimed and reported them to the security forces, nothing happened."

Bishop William said that the local police commander has recently been discharged. The change of command may well explain the sudden change in policy. Previous policemen appear to have ignored criminal behaviour.

Source: Fides