Context
A clash between Egyptian forces and Copt protestors on Sunday left 26 people dead and 200 injured. State television reported that the clash erupted during a demonstration in the Maspero district on the Nile when hundreds of Muslims exchanged blows with the Coptic Christians who form 10% of the population. Stones were also hurled at the hospital which was treated those wounded in earlier fighting. The clashes have taken place for weeks.
Hundreds of Copts protested last Tuesday against the burning of a church after the governor of Aswan, Mustafa al-Seyyed, said the church broke regulations. Activists blame the government for encouraging sectarian violence in the country. Egypt’s Vice President resigned today as a result of the incident.
