The sentencing to death of a Muslim man in connection with an attack in 2010 that killed six Coptic Christians and a Muslim police officer is seen as being particularly significant for Egypt’s Christians and a marked difference from previous responses to attacks on Copts.
“A decision on this case is long overdue, and while Christian Solidarity Worldwide values the court’s pursuit of justice for the victims, CSW does not condone the death penalty for any crime,” said Mervyn Thomas, chief executive of CSW.
Mohamed Ahmed Hussein was sentenced to death on Jan. 16 by an Egyptian court for the shooting deaths following a New Year’s mass in January 2010. The court said the sentence would be sent to the Grand Mufti, Egypt’s top religious authority, which is called on to confirm death sentences. Hussein’s two alleged accomplices were charged with aiding in the murders; their sentences were scheduled to be announced on Feb. 20. – ENI
