Egypt: Christians call for rule of law

“The real issue at stake is rule of law”, says Msgr. Antonius Mina, bishop of Giza, in the wake of deadly violence in Egypt. His sentiments are echoed by Fr. Rafic Greiche spokesman for the Catholic Greek Melkite Church in Egypt, who adds “it all stems from the governments failure to enact a law that regulates the building of places of worship, be they churches or mosques, which they promised to do months ago”.

Egypt's interim government held an emergency meeting Monday following the overnight clashes in Cairo that left 24 dead and over 200 injured. Official news agency says dozens of ``instigators of chaos'' have been arrested after deadly clashes between Christians, Muslims and security forces

Fr. Rafic says the violence erupted when a peaceful demonstration being held by Egyptian Copts and other members of civil society, condemning a recent attack by Muslim extremists on a church in Aswan and the inertia of the government and security forces in protecting religious freedom – was attacked by armed thugs. The army then intervened, firing rubber bullets and tear gas on demonstrators and a tank charged protesters, crushing them.

Sunday's clashes were the worst sectarian violence since the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak in February but, says Fr. Rafic , they are not isolated. He also voices concern that the Islamic fundamentalist drift is becoming increasingly prominent in society in the lead up to November elections and that it is undermining unity and fraternity between Egyptians. Listen to the interview: