By Essam Fadl
CAIRO: Two Coptic lawyers filed a lawsuit on Saturday to oblige the Minster of Interior to install surveillance cameras at churches, monasteries, and surrounding streets throughout the country to improve state security.
Nabil Gabriel and Saied Fayez mentioned in their lawsuit that the New Year’s Eve bombing that took place in front of Al-Qeddesine (Church of Two Saints) in Alexandria was a reflection of the inadequate security measures that have been taken for churches.
“Despite warnings issued by terrorist organizations, the Ministry of Interior only got two or three conscripts to stand at churches’ doors,” the lawsuit read. “It has become [highly necessary] to [take] some advanced security measures amid all these threats.”
“Putting [up] surveillance cameras will lead to [a] huge advancement in securing churches,” Gabriel told Daily News Egypt. “The cameras will make the job easier for security forces and will prevent any possible attacks against Copts.”
In Alexandria, Governor Adel Labib announced on Saturday the launch of surveillance cameras in squares, main streets, the Alexandria governorate’s main transit points, and a variety of public places. The installation of surveillance cameras is part of a LE 100 million security plan to be implemented throughout the country.
Labib said at a press conference that the project was initiated two years ago on an experimental basis in Alexandria, with camera installations having begun in June 2010. The official launch of the project on Jan. 1 followed the Church of Two Saints bombing.
Surveillance cameras have been installed near some important churches and mosques. The governor stressed that the cameras don’t only serve security needs, but play a role in furthering various civil and environmental efforts as well.
The project is in its fifth phase and has secured written permission from all parties involved — including a permission from Minister of Transport Alaa El-Deen Mohamed Fahmy to install security cameras in train stations. According to the project plan, the security initiative should cover the entire Alexandria governorate in six months time.
Meanwhile, Alexandria’s Saint Mark Cathedral officially started receiving condolences for victims of the bombing on Saturday night. Citizens and government officials both flooded the church to pay their respects under tight security measures.
The service was attended by Labib, Minister of Local Development Abdel Salam Al-Mahgoub, Latin Catholic Bishop Adel Zaka, Deputy of Coptic Catholics Antonios Ghattas, and a host of various security officials.
On the same day, the Nagaa Hammadi Archbishopric marked the first anniversary of the drive-by shooting that killed six Copts, one Muslim and left dozens injured.
The service was attended by 3,000 Copts and a number of church leaders, including Bishop Kirolos of Nagaa Hammadi, Secretary of Pope Shenouda III Bishop Youa’nes, Head of Media Committee in the Holy Synod Bishop Morkos, Qena Governor Magdy Ayoub, Head of Qena Security Forces Adel Mehanna, and numerous MPs.
Thanking all the attendees, Bishop Kirolos said during the service that Egyptians make up one body that stands united against terrorism.
“Your presence is participation [and] not a consolation, because the Egyptian sorrows are all one,” he said.
Bishop Youa’nes delivered the condolences of Pope Shenouda III to the families of the victims.
“The blood of the six Coptic martyrs and their Muslim brother is screaming to God, seeking the heavenly justice,” Youa’nes said.
The Emergency Criminal State Security Court in Qena will issue its verdict on Jan. 16 in the trial of the three men accused of executing the Nagaa Hammadi shooting: Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Hassan (a.k.a. Hammam El-Kammouni), Korashi Abo El-Haggag Mohamed, and Hendawi Mohamed Sayed Hassan.
