Egyptian authorities arrested at least 18 suspected radical Islamists following last week’s mob attack on Christian homes and properties in the Sohag Governorate in Upper Egypt. The attack injured at least four Christian Copts, destroyed a Christian-run guest house, burned down four Coptic-owned shops and badly damaged nine houses.
The attack was reportedly prompted by rumours that Christians were planning to build a new church in the village of Manshiet El-Naghamish, The Catholic Herald reported, citing the non-profit group International Christian Concern as its source. The rumours turned out to be unfounded as what was being built in the community was just a four-story building to be used by residents as a community centre, nursery and retirement home, officials said. READ MORE
