Press review: Copts in Libya
The kidnapping of around 20 Egyptian Copts in Libya is grabbing much of the attention of Egyptian newspapers and media. It was stated during an interview with Khālid al-Shāmī from Al-Masrī Al-Yawm that the families of the workers who protested in front of the UN office in Cairo are demanding the UN to help them release their sons.
Mai Jamāl and ‘Alaa ̓ Maqlid from Vito News interviewed an Egyptian worker who just returned from Libya. He said that “armed Libyans came and attacked our residence, then they forced some of us to lead them to the residence of the Copts.” According to the witness, Egyptian workers were not able to reach the far away Egyptian embassy and that Libyans offered them refuge instead.
The Fath News report focused on the efforts of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to release the kidnapped workers. According to Fath News, Egyptian Foreign Affairs staff met with heads of Libyan tribes. The publication also claims that the Egyptian government is keen on returning its citizens, countering terrorism and protecting Libya from division.
