Two detained in Sohag sectarian Violence

MENA
27/06/2011

Egypt’s public prosecution decided on Monday to remand two suspects to custody for four days, pending investigations into their involvement in sectarian clashes that occurred on Saturday in Sohag.

Dar al-Salam prosecution charged the duo with attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms, according to judicial sources. It also ordered the arrest of 12 people who allegedly set fire to eight houses in the village of Awald Khalaf.

The crisis in the Upper Egyptian area erupted between Muslims and Copts in Awlad Khalaf, near the city of Dar al-Salam, following rumors that a Coptic worker was building an unlicensed church.

Fighting began late on Saturday, leaving five Muslims and one Copt injured, and eight houses belonging to Copts were destroyed by fire.

Investigations revealed that a Coptic worker had a license to build a house of 90 square meters, built on an area of 350 square meters, which sparked rumors that he was building a church.

The local council at Dar al-Salam decided that construction should be halted until the encroachments had been removed.

However, the worker ignored the ruling and tried to complete the building, which led local Muslims to carry out attacks on the Coptic community.

Translated from the Arabic Edition

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