Violations of religious freedom in Egypt

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Baroness Cox writes for ePolitix.com ahead of her oral question on discrimination against religious minorities in Egypt

The question seeks to raise a number of concerns over violations of religious freedom in Egypt, including attacks on Christian communities; perceived impunity for the aggressors; intimidation and punishment of Muslims who wish to leave Islam; restrictions on building churches; and discrimination against other religious minorities, such as the Baha'is.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a report on Egypt on March 12, 2010. The press release claims: "The government's respect for human rights remained poor, and serious abuses continued in many areas... The government's respect for freedoms of association and religion remained poor during the year."

This latest assessment follows a history of violence against Christian communities. In 1981 there was an attack on Christians in which 81 were killed. The Egyptian parliamentary committee which conducted an inquiry into the incident proposed a group of measures to prevent further violence against Christians. To date, not a single one of these measures have been implemented by the Egyptian government.

Since then, there have been numerous (160) incidents of violence against Christians in which 400 Christians have lost their lives. To date, not a single person has been brought to justice - apart from one case in which a monk was killed and his two assailants were given a sentence of three years each.

Too often, those who attack Christians, their churches and properties enjoy impunity. Very often the security forces collaborate with the perpetrators.

The police also use tactics like arresting and holding without charge the families of the victims, and only releasing them if they sit with the assailants and accept 'reconciliation' in which the perpetrators escape justice.

Following midnight mass last Christmas, in Naga Hammadi, six Christians were killed. And as recently as March 12th this year, a Muslim mob attacked a Christian congregation during prayers in the church attached to the services building of the Coptic Church in the Rifeyah area of the Mediterranean seaport of Mersa Matrouh. The attack reportedly left 23 Coptic Christians wounded, and 18 homes, 4 shops and 18 cars destroyed.

On a happier note, the Egyptian government has made some concessions to the Baha'i community, particularly with regard to ID cards.

I will be asking HMG to ask the Egyptian government to fulfil its obligations under the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights to ensure security and religious freedom for all its citizens.