A report by Amnesty International said that Egyptian security forces have failed to protect Coptic Christians since the dispersal of the Morsy supporters’ sit-ins on 14 August.
It said unprecedented attacks against 200 Christian properties were carried out and 43 churches were completely destroyed.
The report coincides with the second anniversary of the "Maspero Massacre" where armed forces killed 26 Coptic protestors as well as a Muslim protester, according to Amnesty.
It said security forces failed to prevent angry protesters from attacking churches, schools and charity buildings, from setting them ablaze, and destroying them. At least four people were killed during the attacks.
Amnesty called on the Egyptian authorities to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into these sectarian attacks and to take immediate steps to prevent recurrence. It also asked for a comprehensive strategy to combat discrimination against religious minorities and to abolish discriminatory laws and policies.
Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa, expressed deep concern about the Christian community in Egypt that had been attacked by Morsy supporters. “Security forces should have anticipated such attacks,” she said.
The organization sent a team to inspect sites of sectarian violence in Minya, Fayoum and Greater Cairo to collect evidence from eyewitnesses, officials and clergymen. They were told that angry men carrying firearms, knives and metal rods looted the churches and property of the Christians.
The report also said that impunity has been reinforced since the Maspero Massacre, as only three low-ranking soldiers were given prison terms ranging between two and three years for manslaughter.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
