Egyptian court frees killers of 21 Christians

Thursday April 03, 2003 14:54

by Iohannes - Free Coptic Egypt from Arab Occupation

Over three years have passed since the three-day killing spree in the village of El-Kosheh that left 21 Christians murdered, 33 Christians wounded, and 260 Christian homes and businesses destroyed. In a blatant disregard for justice, Egypt’s courts today acquitted 93 of the 96 defendants. The court’s verdict is a grave disappointment for Egypt’s Christian community who remain exasperated by several failed attempts to ensure justice and equity

This spree of violence, originating from a dispute between a Muslim trader and a Christian shop-owner, escalated into a series of murderous attacks, while police idly stood by and watched as the violence intensified. To the dismay of the Egyptian Christian community, during the first trial an Egyptian Security court acquitted all but four of the 96 defendants, including Muslims charged with murder. Of the four that were found guilty, none were convicted of murder. In response to the outraged Christian community, Cairo’s Court of Cassation announced that it would hear the appeal and a retrial opened in May 2002. The court delivered its verdict today, a month later than was expected.

The court found 2 of the 96 defendants guilty on charges of manslaughter; one Muslim defendant was sentenced to fifteen years in prison, and another three and a half years, not the normal death sentence for such crime. All other defendants have been acquitted. Once again the Christian community in Egypt has found itself amidst an atmosphere of discrimination and inequality in which justice cannot be served. Indeed, such morally irresponsible rulings can only warrant the furthering of such violence and the destruction of the very fabric of Egyptian society.

At this crucial time, as Egypt attempts to establish its role as a partner in the war against terrorism, its courts nevertheless continue to issue politically dictated rulings that merely cater to the fanatic elements of Egyptian society.

We are not prepared to accept anything less than a full conviction of the murderers of the 21 Christians, no matter how long it takes. The international community and Christians worldwide are prepared to transform El-Kosheh into an international problem; the heavy moral implications of this case may loom over Egypt’s leadership for generations to come.

“We are waiting for Egypt to arrest, try, and convict those who killed 21 Christians, wounded 33, and burned and looted 260 Christian homes and businesses. We are dedicated to see justice served in this case by the Egyptian courts or by the international community,” said Michael Meunier, president of U.S. Copts Association.