According to Coptic Bishop Mark, earlier today, [Monday, February 25], some 150 Islamic Salafis besieged yet another Coptic church, that of St. Abu Maqar, in the district of Shubra al-Khaima. Apparently the church had gotten permission from local authorities, and under their guidance, had begun the removal of an abandoned building that was encroaching on church property, “when we were surprised to find some 150 Salafis surrounding the church, without any clear reason.” He pointed out that three months earlier the same thing happened—Salafis besieged the church—even though the church had gotten all the proper licenses and permits to remove the dilapidated building. Yet, three months later, the same thing is happening—even as the local authorities remain silent: Asked the Bishop: “Who governs Egypt, the law or the street”?
