4/17/19 Egypt (International Christian Concern)- The Cairo Criminal Court has referred two defendants from the December 2017 Mar Mina church attack in Helwan for re-trial. Nine Christians and one Egyptian police officer were killed when a gunman opened fire outside of a Coptic Church. The Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack.
Eleven defendants were accused of establishing and leading a terrorist group, whose aim is to disrupt society by targeting places of worship and public facilities. Two of these defendants were now referred to the Mufti for re-trial. The remaining defendants will stand trial on May 12, nearly a year and a half after the violent church attack.
Copts have been targeted by Islamic militants heavily. Especially as Egypt’s Christians prepare for Easter celebrations, additional security measures are being taken to prevent further incidents of violence.
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