Sāmih talks about the recent incident in Qena where rumors of a relationship between a Muslim girl and Coptic boy resulted in a fire that destroyed 23 homes. He criticizes the authorities’ reluctance to prosecute causers of fitnah. He says that those who cause trouble have ensured that even unrelated bystanders have contributed to the violence involving this case. He also criticizes the fact that a relationship between a Muslim girl and Coptic boy would result in violence. It’s like the Naj‘ Hammādī incident all over again, he says.

Key Words: Qena – Naj‘ Hammādī – Sectarian Violence