Situation normal in Al-Kusheh, investigation into suspects in bloody events
Egypt, Politics, 1/5/2000

The state security prosecutor has ordered the detention of 21 persons involved in recent riots in Al-Kusheh and nearby villages in the upper Egyptian governorate of Sohag.

Twenty people were killed and scores of others injured in the incidents triggered by a financial dispute between two Muslim and Christian businessmen.

The defendants face charges of rumor-mongering, looting, arson, damaging private property, disturbing public peace and jeopardizing social peace and national unity.

Normal life has returned to Al-Kusheh village after the situation was brought under control in the wake of the rioting caused by a number of merchants last Friday.

Minister of Health Dr. Ismail Sallam visited the injured at Dar as-Salam hospital. "Kosheh violence does not mirror Muslim-Coptic genuine tolerance," said Sallam.

Sallam made sure that all care and medical services are provided to them. He conveyed to the injured President Mubarak's best wishes for speedy recovery.

Sallam stressed the national unity of Egypt, adding that all the Egyptians constitute one impeccable fabric.

Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria sent a number of priests to the village to console the families of the dead.

Minister of Development and Local Administration, Mostafa Abdel-Qader and Sohag Governor Ahmad Abdel-Aziz Bakr visited the Orthodox Coptic Church in Bellina where they met with Patriarch Wisa of the Billina and Dar as-Salam.

"Everything is under control and calm has returned to the streets of Al-Kusheh and Dar as-Salam," said Governor Bakr.

The officials who were accompanied by political and popular local leaders as well as Muslim dignitaries with the purpose of reconciling the fighting parties and containing any brewing feeling in order to bar any future resurgence of violence.

Previous Stories:
  Disorder ends in Egyptian village of Al-Kusheh   (1/4/2000)
  Egyptian police controlled the events of Al-Kusheh village   (1/3/2000)
  Investigative report: Extreme security measures do not imply Christian persecution in Egypt   (10/3/1998)

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