Islamists Torch Christians' Shops in South Egypt

2014-06-02

(AP) -- A security official in Egypt says a mob of angry Islamists has burned shops owned by Coptic Christians near the ancient city of Luxor hours before a trial for a Coptic Christian accused of blasphemy. The official says the attack early Monday saw Islamists throw gasoline bombs at the shops in the village of el-Mahameed near Luxor. The official says authorities are investigating the attack.

The attack came hours before the start of a trial in Luxor for Kerolos Ghattas, a young Coptic Christian charged with contempt to Islam over a series of alleged Internet postings. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to journalists.

Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's population.

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Islamists Torch Christians' Shops in South Egypt