Pope Shenouda III apologized for not delivering his bi-monthly sermon in Alexandria, one which he has skipped for the second time in a row. He did so this time in protest of the authorities allowing the demonstrations held outside the al-Qā‘id Mosque even though he banned all demonstrations inside churches. The demonstrations on Friday saw offensive chants to the Pope’s person and demanded the release of Kāmīlīā Shehātah and the trial of Bishop Bīshūy. The Minister of Awqāf said that the demonstrations happened outside the Mosque, and assured that Imams were told that Copts are a “red line” that is not to be crossed.

Key Words: Pope Shenouda III – Bishop Bīshūy – Kāmīlīā Shehatah – Dr. Aḥmad al-Ṭayyib – Dr. Kamīl Siddīq – Dr. Najīb Jibrā‘īl – President Muhammad Husnī Mubārak – Dr. Muhammad Hamdī Zaqzūq