The Coptic Orthodox Patriarchy in Alexandria warned that leaflets attributed to a Coptic author have been spread in the streets of Alexandria including false information about the “Copts’ success” in ousting the Islamists from power. Also the leaflet says that Copts have filed a claim for autonomy from Egypt to the UN, and to drive out the Muslims. It adds that the Copts have succeeded in controlling the army, police, and diplomatic corps and that the Copts have obtained sensitive information from their peers in the secret intelligence service and national security about explosions which will hit Egypt soon. Joseph Malāk, a Coptic activist, said that this leaflet has been spread extensively throughout Western Alexandria, especially ‘Agamī, where Copts fear that ordinary inhabitants will use it as a justification to attack Copts and churches.

In other news, the Catholic Church said in an official announcement that what the American agency, the “Associated Press” published about the kidnapping of three nuns in Beni Suef from a Franciscan school is incorrect.  The church said that the nuns were not kidnapped but what really happened is that the school was set on fire and the scared nuns sought protection in a Muslim lady’s house (Mustafā Ruhūmah, al-Watan, Aug. 21, p. 4).

(Flynne Rushton, Intern)