The Egyptian Social Democratic Party expressed its concern regarding the recent sectarian clashes in the village of Bani Ahmad, Minya on Tuesday night.
The party’s statement addresses a Sunday incident where 15 individuals were injured and three houses were set ablaze after an argument between a Christian and a Muslim led to clashes.
The ESDP said the “absence of efficient state institutions post-revolution,” combined with the recent upsurge in “religious-based parties” and years of sectarian tension are causing the increase in sectarian violence.
The party, headed by Mohamed Abo El-Ghar, called upon the members of Islamist groups to contain the increase of sectarian tension.
16 other organisations also expressed concern about abductions, deaths and displacement of Christians in northern Sinai in a joint statement.
‘The state and its relevant institutions must prosecute the perpetrators of acts of sectarian violence as well as those involved in incitement to this violence,” the statement read.
July saw an increase in sectarian violence in which various churches were attacked and Christian-owned shops vandalised. Clashes led to a number of injuries as well as four deaths, according to Amnesty International.
The recent surge comes after the ousting of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
The social democratic party said it was “concerned with the performance of various institutions and authorities responsible for the protection of Christian citizens,” calling them “sluggish” and “negligent in dealing with perpetrators.”
