Christians Clash With Police in Egypt as Church Attack Toll Rises

The death toll in yesterday’s attack on an Alexandria church rose to 25 today as protesters from the Coptic Orthodox Church demanded increased protection, and were attacked by Egyptian police for their troubles.

Information Minister Anas Fikki issued a statement warning television statements to take care when covering the attack and the clashes with police, and cautioned Egyptians against “delving into topics that could ignite sedition.”

So far it is unclear who carried out the attack, but experts said it was likely a domestic group. The attack has sparked considerable fear amongst the nation’s Christian minority, both that more attacks may be in the offing and that the government has very little interest in protecting them.

Some religious leaders among both Copts and Muslims are attempting to organize some anti-sectarian events designed to stave off the escalation of tensions. But it seems much of the damage is already done, and the Egyptian government’s reaction seems to be only adding to the internal doubts about the regime.