Ikhwanweb :: The Muslim Brotherhood Official English Website

MB Quells Sectarian Clashes in Upper Egypt

In a statement to Ikhwanweb, Freedom and Justice Party (FJP-Aswan) leader Mohamed Abdul Fatah stated that both the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and the FJP reject the instigation of any form of sectarian strife within the community, stressing that peaceful co-existence is paramount.

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 In a statement to Ikhwanweb, Freedom and Justice Party (FJP-Aswan) leader Mohamed Abdul Fatah stated that both the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and the FJP reject the instigation of any form of sectarian strife within the community, stressing that peaceful co-existence is paramount.

 
The statement follows clashes which started early Friday in Edfu in north Aswan (upper Egypt), after construction started at a building owned by a Copt to turn it into a church, which provoked the area’s Muslims, said eyewitnesses. 

He added that according to Mary Nabil, an official in the governorate, the building was in violation of administrative and engineering code for construction. "Nobody is against the construction of houses of worship, so long as they comply with relevant laws, " Mohamed Abdul Fatah said.

Abdul Fatah confirmed that members from the MB have arranged for a meeting between Muslims and Copts in an effort to peacefully resolve the issue without turning to authorities.

Mohamed Alsayed, Governor of Aswan, rejected allegations by numerous Coptic Organizations abroad, which reported that Copts were subjected to violent attacks following Friday's incident.

“Falsely reporting acts of violence against a church in the city is fabricated and shameful," he said.

He clarified that the owners of the guest house falsfied the construction permit in order to build the church in an area that has a small number of Copts, especially that another church is located nearby that can accomodate more worshipers.