Muslim attacks, harassment at Coptic church prompts closure

MANSHIYET ZAAFARNA, Egypt — Police evicted Coptic priests and shuttered the church building of Mar-Giris (St. George) after Islamist protests.

Muslim villagers attacked the church, located about 155 miles south of Cairo, after mosque noon prayers Jan. 11, according to a statement by church officials.

The next day a mob descended on the church and demanded it be closed. Manshiyet Zaafarna village is home to about 1,000 Copts. 

Harassment against the church started on Coptic Orthodox Christmas Eve when Muslim protesters barged into the church building after a special service, according to church officials.

Three churches have recently been closed  in Minya Governorate. (MS)