The Coptic Orthodox Church today issued a statement denouncing the killing of seven Copts in Libya last Sunday.
The statement read:
“The Coptic Orthodox Church condemns the brutal terrorist incident that occurred on the evening of last Sunday 23 February 2014 in the village of Garoutha, a suburb of Benghazi, Libya. Seven Egyptians lost their lives: Talaat Seddiq Bebawi, Hani Girgis Habib, Nadhi Girgis Habib, Fawzi Fathi Seddiq, Edward Nashed Boulos, Ayoub Sabry Tawfiq and Sameh Romany.
“The Church demands that investigations should be swiftly carried out into this hideous crime, and that the terrorists behind this agonizing incident should be caught. The blood of our children is very dear, and we all owe them to pursue their right.
“We ask the Lord to rest their souls in peace, and to grant solace to their families. May He protect the people of Egypt from the brutal cruelty of terrorism.”
Libyan officials had found the dead bodies of the seven Copts last Sunday night; their hands had been tied behind their backs before they were shot in the head. According to Libyan security, the ages of the victims ranged between 17 and 25.
Watani International
25 February 2014
