A Coptic Church in Benghazi has been subjected to new attacks. Unknown assailant set fire to the building and looted the place. This is the second attack in a short period of time.  Libyan investigators have also completed their investigation of four Egyptian detainees held on charges of proselytisation.

The latest events in Libya have sparked outrage among Copts in Egypt. Dozens of Copts staged a protest outside the Libyan embassy in Cairo, opposing the killing of ‘Izzat Hakīm while being detained in a Libyan prison together with four other Egyptians, all on charges of proselytisation.

According to the deputy of the Libyan Ministery of Foreign Affairs, the Libyan ambassador in Cairo confirmed that the protests were peaceful and that he had not witnessed the burning of a Libyan flag.

A prayer was held for the late ‘Izzat Hakīm at the First Evangelical Church in Asyut. On behalf of the Evangelical Church, Reverend Andrea Zakī demanded that the government take responsibility and carry out the necessary actions to discover the facts, reasons and circumstances that have led to this event. The pastor also stressed the state’s responsibility for the protection of its citizens in Egypt and abroad.

According to 'Alī 'Ashīrī, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Consular and Egyptians Affairs, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not do enough to provide the requested legal assistance for Egyptians subjected to mistreatment in countries abroad. 'Ashīrī, added that there are security problems that lead to the violation of the rights of Egyptians in Libya. He added that he will continue to confront these problems and difficulties while respecting Libyan law (Imān Shawqī and Bāsmah William, Watanī, Mar. 17, p. 1). Read original text in Arabic