Sohag police have caught nine suspects charged with the killing of one Copt and injuring six others in a recent street fight that took place in the village of Madmar in Tema, Sohag, some 460km south of Cairo.
According to an eyewitness, the fight started last night Sunday 11 April between two Copts, then escalated to include members of their respective families. At this point a Muslim intervened in an attempt to contain matters; he was hit during the clash. He called his family, the Eissas, for retribution, they arrived and clashes started all over again, this time taking a different dimension between the Muslim Eissas and the Coptic Shakals. One Copt, Ezzat Garas, 55, was killed and six were injured and taken to hospital; police arrived immediately and contained matters. All the injured were treated and left hospital today.
The deceased Copt was buried after funeral service was celebrated at the village’s Mar-Girgis church. Meanwhile, the prosecution is conducting investigations and listening to eyewitnesses.
The Madmar villagers insist that the clash was not sectarian; they confirm that the village’s Muslims and Copts enjoy peaceful relations.
Watani International
12 April 2021