Ahmad al-Jammāl blames last Wednesday’s ‘Umrāniyyah church riots on Bishop Bishūy’s controversial statements about the Qūr'ān. He says that Bīshūy, who he claims is second in command in the Coptic Orthodox Church, crossed the first line, thereby allowing the protestors to cross the second line by using violence against the authorities. He then blames Pope Shenouda III for Bīshūy’s statements and claims that the church is attempting to gain the upper hand in resolving the country's problems.

Key Words: Ahmad al-Jammāl - ‘Umrāniyyah - Bishop Bishūy - Pope Shenouda III