
Audio By Carbonatix
The leader of Egypt's Coptic Christians has accused the country's president of "negligence" following deadly clashes outside the main cathedral in Cairo.Pope Tawadros II said Mohammed Morsi had failed to protect the building, where two people died after being attacked by an angry mob of Muslims.The remarks were the strongest issued against President Morsi by Pope Tawadros since he took office in 2012.The weekend clashes between Muslims and Copts were Egypt's worst in months.The two people - at least one of whom was a Christian - were killed after attending a funeral for four Christians who died in sectarian violence in Khosous, about 10 miles (15km) north of Cairo, the previous day.A Muslim was also killed in those clashes, which began after inflammatory symbols were drawn on an Islamic institute, provoking an argument.The dispute escalated into a gun battle between Christian and Muslim residents, while Christian-owned shops were also attacked.Coptic Christians, who make up about 10% of the population, have long complained of discrimination and have suffered an increase in attacks by Muslims since the fall of President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.'Action not words'In a telephone interview on the private ONTV channel, Pope Tawadros said Mohammed Morsi had "promised to do everything to protect the cathedral but in reality we don't see this".He said the failure to do so "comes under the category of negligence and poor assessment of events"."We need action not only words... There is no action on the ground," he said, adding that "the Egyptian Church has never been subject to such [attacks] even in the worst ages".The violence erupted on Sunday when mourners leaving St Mark's Cathedral clashed with local residents.Police fired tear gas to break up the violence. More than 89 people were injured, the state news agency said.Mourners inside the cathedral had earlier chanted slogans against President Morsi.Witnesses told local TV stations that the violence started when a mob attacked the Copts as they left the cathedral, pelting them with stones and petrol bombs.The Christians responded by throwing stones back, the witnesses said, until police arrived and attempted to quell the unrest, firing tear gas into the cathedral compound.Afterwards, Mr Morsi denounced the violence in a phone call to Pope Tawadros."Any attack against the cathedral is like an attack against me personally," he was reported as saying. He also called for an immediate investigation.The Islamist Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), the political arm of Mr Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood movement, posted a statement on its Facebook page stressing its "utter rejection and condemnation of violence".
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Marigold Foundation distributes sanitary pads to 1,500 girls in Agona East
2 minutes -
Two dead after building collapse at Gyagyaano in Cape Coast
6 minutes -
Six arrested over Kwabenya shooting incident involving Adwoa Safo
17 minutes -
Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I installed as new leader of Kristo Asafo Mission
40 minutes -
Kristo Asafo Church refutes claims Adwoa Safo was shot by brother
1 hour -
Four dead, two critical after Metro Mass bus plunges into ditch on Peki stretch
2 hours -
Police reinforce security at Kwabenya following gunfire incident involving Adwoa Safo
2 hours -
Kristo Asafo Church to investigate gunfire incident at leadership introduction ceremony
3 hours -
Security fired warning shots after gate breach attempt — Lawyer Kantanka on Adwoa Safo’s incident
3 hours -
Adwoa Safo fired first shot, security responded with warning shots – Kristo Asafo lawyer claims
4 hours -
Police investigates shooting incident involving Adwoa Safo
4 hours -
Father’s Day: ‘Let’s continue to build giants’ – Mahama urges
4 hours -
Frimpong Manso Institute commends fathers for their vital role in families and society
4 hours -
Police investigate death of unidentified man at Tema Metropolitan Assembly forecourt
5 hours -
Sarah Adwoa Safo reportedly injured in alleged shooting incident
5 hours