NEWS PROVIDED BY
Coptic Solidarity
Feb. 6, 2026
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Coptic Solidarity strongly condemns the actions taken by Egyptian executive and security authorities in connection with the demolition of a fence surrounding land allocated for the construction of a church in the Zohour 15 May area, as well as the violent dispersal of peaceful residents and the continued detention of 13 Coptic men.
On Tuesday, 3 February, security forces intervened to demolish a fence erected around a plot of land officially allocated in February 2024 by the New Urban Communities Authority for the construction of the Church of the Virgin Mary and Pope Kyrillos, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Church Construction Law. The land serves a community of residents relocated to the area after floods destroyed their homes in 2020.
According to testimonies, local Christian residents gathered peacefully near the site, chanting calls for unity and restraint. Despite the absence of violence, security forces—including Central Security units—used tear gas to disperse the gathering and pursued residents into surrounding areas.
A total of 58 people were arrested, including women and children. Among them was Father Athanasius Rizk, the priest supervising the church’s construction, who was later released. Several women reported being subjected to physical and verbal abuse during arrest; when men attempted to intervene, they too were beaten and detained.
All detainees were transferred to the Central Security camp in Tora. Nineteen individuals were later brought before the Helwan Prosecution, which ordered their detention. Subsequently, five women were released but the detention of 13 men was renewed, initially for four days and later for 15 days, without formally informing them of the charges, in violation of Egyptian criminal procedure guarantees.
Residents state that no prior formal warning or demolition notice was served, nor was any grace period granted to address the alleged encroachment. Notably, the fence—measuring approximately 1,950 square meters—had been erected in full view of local authorities, without objection at the time.
Coptic Solidarity raises serious concerns regarding discriminatory enforcement practices. It must be asked whether, had a similar situation involved a mosque, authorities would have responded in the same manner. In practice, large numbers of mosques and prayer halls have been constructed without compliance with applicable regulations, yet never face comparable enforcement measures.
CS emphasizes that the 2016 Church Construction Law has not ended arbitrary and unequal treatment of Christian communities. The legacy of discriminatory practices surrounding church construction continues to fuel tension and undermine trust in state institutions.
Coptic Solidarity is an organization seeking to help Copts of Egypt and other persecuted minorities. We support those in Egypt working for the protection of the fundamental rights of all Egyptian citizens, and advocate in cooperation with the affiliated organizations in Canada and in Europe (Solidarité Copte). For more information, contact coptadvocacy@copticsolidarity.org.
SOURCE Coptic Solidarity