(AFP Photo)
By Tim Nanns
The Ministry of Interior’s security measures are “not enough” concerning the “silent agreement” between some security apparatus elements and radical preachers raging against the Christian minority in their sermons.
In comments to Daily News Egypt, Amir Ayad of the Maspero Youth Movement said this lack of control is leading to “real fear” as long as these radical elements remain.
Ayad added that the Ministry of Interior should “clean their [security forces] ranks” of these elements.
Another problem for the Copts, Ayad said, is the lack of response by Islamic institutions, who fail to suitably condemn this kind of anti-Christian hatred. Ayad named foremost Islamic institution Al-Azhar as one of the institutions who do not take enough action.
He identifies the “traditional reconciliation sessions”, a means to solve conflicts between the Christian and Muslim communities, as another problem. These sessions are taking place outside of the official judiciary system, he therefore accused them of “breaking the rule of the law”, leading to only intensify problems.
Easter is, along with Christmas, the most important date in the Coptic calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. Easter day is preceded by 55 days of fasting, during which no animal products are to be consumed. The big festivities and gatherings in the Coptic churches during Easter make Copts especially vulnerable to radical Islamist attacks during that time.
