Security services in Giza arrested nine persons accused of burning and stealing from Coptic residents’ homes in Dahshur, in the aftermath of a fight between a Muslim man and Coptic man which led to killing of one person, the burning of houses and the displacement of some Coptic families.
Police are still searching for another six people involved.
Investigations showed that the suspects stole property from Coptic residents. Four of the suspects have criminal records and had been previously accused in robbery and drug cases.
Public Prosecutor Abdel Meguid Mahmoud ordered the arrest of suspects accused of causing damages and assaulting police.
A security source at Giza security directorate said Copts who left their houses after the incidents will return back soon and that there will be a reconciliation meeting between 10 Coptic and Muslim residents of the village. Members of the Shura Council, senior members of local families and political leaders will attend.
Clashes flared in the town after a Muslim young man accused a Christian laundry owner of singing his shirt while ironing it. Both gathered friends and family and fought, some throwing Molotov cocktails. One homemade firebomb killed a young man.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
