The Shura Council Human Rights Committee lashed out on Thursday against hearings held by the US Congress on Wednesday regarding the alleged oppression of Copts in Egypt.

Ezz Eddin al-Komy, the committee’s deputy, said that expatriate Copts living in the US had requested that Congress conduct an international investigation into rights violations and abuses against Copts back in Egypt.

The statement called the hearings an intrusion into Egypt's internal affairs, and refuted the allegations as false.

Finally, the statement formally rejected foreign interference in domestic matters and asserted the unity of the Muslims and the Copts.

Copts, who make 10 percent of Egypt's population, have expressed unease regarding the rise to power of Islamist forces since the ouster of former President Mubarak in February 2011.

The church has recently demanded that the Constituent Assembly add an article in the new constitution that would allow Copts to determine their own legislation and therefore not be subject to Sharia. The church has also demanded fewer restrictions on building churches.

Edited translation from MENA