UPDATE: Three dead in sectarian clashes in Minya

Ahram Online – 30/11/13

A fight over the construction of a wall developed into violence in Upper Egypt.

Three people were killed and several injured when sectarian clashes erupted late Thursday in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Minya, reported Al-Ahram’s Arabic website.

According to a statement released by the Minya Coptic Orthodox Archbishopric, a fight started between a Muslim and a Christian over the construction of a wall in the Nazlet Abeed village, located around 6 kilometres from Minya city, escalating into sectarian clashes.

Two of the dead were Muslim and one was Christian.

Clashes resumed the next day, leaving four more injured, including a child, before security forces contained the situation.

Egypt has seen increasing numbers of sectarian incidents, especially in Upper Egypt, over the past years.

In July and August, a wave of attacks on churches nationwide followed the dispersal by security forces of protest camps held by supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi.

In the town of Delga in Minya governorate, a monastery, three churches and several Christian-owned properties were set on fire, and regular protests were held, with some protesters chanting anti-Christian slogans. Security forces entered the town in September and restored order.

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