Governor of Minya, Major General Essam Bedawey, responded to statements made by Archbishopric of Minya on Saturday, in which it said that authorities prefer to close churches instead of punishing extremist assailants. Archbishopric of Minya said that churches, located in different villages of the governorate, were closed by security officials or due to clashes that erupted following assaults from extremists. The major general said they also allowed prayers in 21 houses in Minya and Abu Qurqas without any problems and that these houses haven’t been closed. There were attacks on Coptic homes in Ezbet Zakaria in the Damshir village of Minya city, and 15 elements were arrested. The second incident mentioned by the Archbishopric was in al-Qushairy village of Abu Qurqas city.

Source: Egypt Independent October 31, 2017 12:11 UTC