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Mob torches Christian shops in Egypt ahead trial

By WTOP Staff

HAGGAG SALAMA
Associated Press

LUXOR, Egypt (AP) — A mob of angry Islamic extremists burned shops owned by Coptic Christians near the ancient city of Luxor on Monday, hours before a trial for a Coptic Christian accused of blasphemy, a security official said.

The official said saw the mob throw gasoline bombs at the shops in the village of el-Mahameed near Luxor. The official said authorities are investigating the attack.

The attack came hours before the start of a trial in Luxor for Kerolos Ghattas, a young Coptic Christian charged with contempt to Islam over a series of alleged Internet postings.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to journalists.

Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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