Mīlād Malāk Mikhā’īl, a construction worker, passed away yesterday after receiving a bullet in the stomach during last Wednesday’s riots in ‘Umrāniyyah. The authorities have intensified security in the area to prevent further sectarian violence. An ecclesial source confirmed that Bishop Theodosius of Giza is set to meet with Giza Governor Sayyid ‘Abd al-‘Azīz to discuss methods of overcoming the crisis. A number of Coptic organizations outside Egypt issued statements condemning the riots, calling them “state security attacks on Copts” and also blaming the rise in sectarian tension on extremism caused by the methods of the ruling National Democratic Party. Head of the Protestant Church, Dr. Safwat al-Bayādī, blamed both sides for the riots. Al-Bayādī and Father Rafīq Greish, head of the Egyptian Catholic Church, urged both sides to avoid further escalation.

Key Words: ‘Umrāniyyah – Dr. Safwat al-Bayādī – Rafīq Greish - Bishop Theodosius - Sayyid ‘Abd al-‘Azīz