On March 8, clashes between Christians and Muslims killed at least
13 people and injured 140 in the Cairo suburb of Helwan, Middle East Newsline reported. The sources said
both sides used firearms, knives and clubs in fighting that began with a
Christian protest.
The Copts were said to have blocked a highway outside Cairo, throwing rocks
at motorists and burning tires. Thousands of Muslims retaliated with gunfire
and at least six Christians were killed during the four-hour battle.
Coptic organizers said the military regime has failed to protect the
Christian community. They cited a military attack in February in which
main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers stormed two Coptic
monasteries.
The sources said the clashes were exacerbated by the lack of security
throughout Egypt. They said the Interior Ministry has not yet reorganized
the police and security forces in wake of the defection of thousands of
officers in the last days of the Mubarak regime in February.
As a result, Coptic churches have come under attack from Islamic
activists inspired by Al Qaida. In early March, a Coptic church was torched
in a Cairo suburb amid tension that stemmed from a purported love affair
between a Christian man and a Muslim woman.
Copts have been demonstrating for equal rights under the new military
regime. Thousands of protesters have been holding a vigil in downtown Cairo
for an end to official discrimination, including a ban on new churches.
The military regime has sought to reconcile with Egypt's huge Islamist
community. Islamic sources said the regime was preparing to release
convicted
insurgents, including those from the Gamiat Islamiya, linked to Al Qaida.
"All sons of Egypt have to refrain from any act that could stir chaos
and confusion, particularly in view of the external forces that target the
nation's security and stability," Egyptian Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi,
chairman of the military council, said.
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