HRW calls for urgent action against vandalized churches in Egypt

Egyptian authorities should take the necessary steps to protect churches and religious institutions against mob attacks, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.

HRW revealed that attackers have torched and looted at least 42 churches as well as dozens of other Christian religious institutions in the governorates of Minya, Asyut, Fayum, Giza, Suez, Sohag, Bani Suef, and North Sinai, since August 14, 2013.

At least three Coptic Christians and one Muslim were killed as a result of sectarian attacks in Dalga, Minya city, and Cairo, HRW claimed.

The attacks come after weeks of sectarian discourse by Muslim Brotherhood supporters at the Nahda and Rab'a al-Adawiya sit-ins in which speakers claimed a link between Copts and Morsy's removal.

Some Muslim Brotherhood leaders have condemned the recent sectarian attacks.

Others however have suggested a Coptic role in the ongoing crackdown on the group.

On the afternoon of August 14, the Freedom and Justice Party Helwan Branch had posted a statement on the group's Facebook page accusing Pope Tawadros, the religious leader of the Egyptian Coptic community, of participating in Morsy's removal and of inciting Copts to block roads, encircle mosques, and storm them.

Sectarian attacks against Christians had increased even before the August 14 action against the camps.

On July 23, HRW had even called on the Egyptian authorities to take steps to protect Christians, investigate attacks, and hold those responsible to account.

Authorities should also investigate why security forces were largely absent or failed to intervene even when they had been informed of ongoing attacks, HRW said.