Seven people lost life in an attack on Churchgoers

Thousands clashed with Egypt police during a funeral procession yesterday for the seven people killed in an attack on churchgoers leaving Coptic Christians mourning. The protesters pelted stones at cars and smashed ambulances at the hospital in frustration over delays in turning over the bodies for burial. A security official informed that Police used tear gas to disperse the mob. Christians came on the road to show their protests after the community suffered death of their people in an attack, the previous night. Three gunmen in a car started automatic gun fire on a crowd leaving a church in the town of Nag Hammadi, about 40 miles away from the ancient ruins of Luxor. The lead suspect was identified as a Muslim.

In a telephonic interview, Bishop Kirollos of the Nag Hammadi Diocese said six male churchgoers and one security guard were killed. He heard the mayhem and lots of machine gun shots. He saw five bodies lying on the ground.Egypt's Interior Ministry said that the killing was suspected retaliation for the November rape of a 12-year-old Muslim girl by a Christian man in the same town. The bishop was worried about violence on the eve of Coptic Christmas because of earlier threats after the rape. He got a mobile message saying: "It is your turn". The Bishop told that his faithfuls had also received threats. Some were shouting they would not allow Christians to have festivities. Coptic Christians account for about 10 percent of Egypt's Muslim dominated population. They generally live in peace with the Muslims. Sometimes clashes occur over issues of land or church construction.Security has been tightened and police are searching for the suspects. Security officials told that some 5,000 protesters shouted slogans of 'Long live the Cross' and 'No to persecution'