Egypt: 156 detained after church riots

Published November 25th, 2010 - 02:15 GMT
Copts
Copts

Cairo was calm on Thursday but Egypt's attorney general ordered the detention of 156 protesters involved in clashes with riot police the day before. The clashes started after the authorities blocked construction of a church in a Cairo suburb, MENA news agency said on Thursday.

One Christian protestor died and dozens were hurt in Giza after nearly 3,000 Orthodox Copts hurled stones at police forces. Some officers threw stones back. The attorney general decided to hold the 156 protesters for 15 days on suspicion of inciting the riots, MENA reported.

Some Christians demonstrated near the church and others near the Giza governor's office.

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content