The public prosecution ordered the remanding of 15 persons into custody over the burning of a Coptic community guest house in Naghameesh village, Sohag province, in the wake of rumors that the place had been turned into a church. All of the accused will be held for four days pending investigations, while another 13 persons were cleared and released. Senior officials from the province came to participate in reconciliation dialogues, along with members of parliement (MPs), community elders -- representatives of well-known local families -- and Coptic and Muslim clerics. Approximately 90 percent of the population of Egypt is Sunni Muslim and approximately 10 percent Christian, although estimates range from 5 percent to 15 percent. Of the Christians, approximately 90 percent belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, according to Christian leaders.

Source: Egypt Independent November 29, 2016 10:43 UTC