Copts in Dayrūt of Asyut Governorate are terrified following repeated attacks by groups of thugs.  In one instance, in Masārrah village (Dayrūt), thugs demanded payment from Copts, threatening to kidnap their sons, seize their land, and rape their women if they refused to pay. Human rights activist ‘Izzat Ibrahīm said that the people of Masāra initially paid the thugs because they feared for their lives, but were unable to continue paying. A report on the attacks notes that the security forces have not taken steps to arrest those responsible and that many people have been forced to leave their homes (Mājī Jamāl, Al-Sabāh, Dec. 18, p. 3). Read original text in Arabic