Muslim Mob Attacks Coptic Church During Prayers in Egypt, Seriously Injuring 25 Christians

A Muslim mob attacked a Coptic Christian Church during prayers yesterday (March 12, 2010), near the Egyptian seaport of Mersa Matrouh. The mob -- estimated to be 2,000-3,000 Muslims -- hurled stones at the building. Four priests, the deacons, and some 400 parishioners were trapped inside the building, according to the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) website.

Rev. Matta Zakarya said that after the mob hurled stones at the building, they went inside and assaulted the people. Witnesses said the number of security forces was not large enough to contain the Muslims.

According to Rev. Matta, 25 persons were seriously wounded, including women and children. The injured were treated at Matrouh Hospital.

The reason used by the Muslims for the attack was the construction -- without permission -- of a wall surrounding a plot of land acquired by the Church.