Egyptian Christians have called for prayer for an on-going situation in the village of Kobry-el-Sharbat near Alexandria.
The troubles began following a rumor that a Christian man had illicit photographs and a video clip of a Muslim lady. On 27th and 30th January there were violent clashes, with a Muslim mob burning several Christian-owned homes and businesses. On 1st February a "village tribunal" of local Muslim leaders issued a decree ordering eight Christian families to leave and that their property be sold under the oversight of a local Muslim leader. If this decree was not complied with, then all 62 Christian families living in the village would be forcibly expelled.
On 16th February a fact-finding commission established by the recently elected National Assembly ruled that the village tribunal's decree was illegal, the eight families' property should be restored to them, the government should pay compensation for all damaged property, and the police should endeavor to identify and prosecute those responsible for violent attacks. The commission stressed that all residents' legal rights must be respected, and that this was not incompatible with Islamic Shari'a law.
The commission affirmed that there is no evidence to support the rumors. The Christian man accused had been detained but was released on 15th February, as was the Muslim accused of starting the rumor.
Village residents were told to immediately welcome back three of the Christian families. The return of those closely related to the Christian accused by the rumor was deferred to a judicial review.
The fact-finding commission comprised two Christians, two moderate Muslims and a Salafi member of parliament who was involved in the village tribunal. They met with representatives of the evicted families, all members of the tribunal and two priests.
Egyptian Christians request our prayers that:
a. The commission's ruling will be effectively and promptly implemented
b. All Christian families will be able to return
c. True reconciliation will occur amongst all residents of the village
d. The commission's ruling will set a precedent that ends impunity for sectarian violence against Christians and other religious minorities
e. All national, provincial and local authorities will uphold the legal rights of all Egyptians, and the National Assembly will promote effective measures to address sectarian violence
f. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
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Website: www.meconcern.org
URL of this prayer request: http://www.meconcern.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=488:egypt-sectarian-incident-partially-resolved&catid=7:prayer-requests&Itemid=12
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