Al-Milī (Lay) Council issued a strong statement in which they mentioned a number of violent incidents targeting Christians. The statement read that they will not forget the martyrs of all the sectarian incidents, including those at Atfīh, Maspero, Imbāba, Dahshūr and the most recent one at al-Khusūs.
The statement came after a meeting at the Cathedral. The members of al-Milī Council clarified that they will use all legitimate and legal means to ensure the protection of their rights as Egyptian citizens and to put an end to the systematic violence to which Egypt’s Christians are subjected.
Members of the council stressed that they will continue to follow development of the situation and progress of the investigations. They confirmed their complete support for Pope Tawadros II. The statements illustrated the anger and concern of the council with the continued sectarian violence that has escalated in the last few months. According to the council this is due to the state’s inability to carry out its role in implementing the law without discrimination, and the failure of political leaders to confront known persecutors with justice or take any real stance vis-à-vis individuals committing sectarian violence.
The council holds the President of the state fully responsible for the absence of justice and security. The council has demanded independent investigation into the events and that the perpetrators be held accountable (Peter Majdī, al-Tahrīr, Apr. 11, p. 4). Read original text in Arabic.
