Egypt: Church attack suspects face trial

Dozens of persons suspected of being involved in attacks against Coptic churches since December, have been brought before military justice in Egypt.

Thirty one of them are already behind bars.

During the celebration of Palm Sunday last April 9, suicide bombers targeted two churches in the north of the country leaving 45 dead. 29 other people died in December after a suicide bomb attack in Cairo.

The 48 accused will be tried for these attacks, but also for the death of 8 police officers last January after a control post was attacked.

According to Egypt’s chief prosecutor Nabil Sadeq, the suspects joined Islamic State and underwent military training with the group outside the country.

Approximately 10% of the Egyptians are part of the Coptic minority. The minority is regularly the target of attacks claimed by the Islamic State.