By Watani –
In a distressing incident in the village of Nazlet Gelf, located in the Beni Mazar district of Minya Governorate, several Coptic homes were attacked by a number of “extremists” following rumors of a relationship between an 18-year-old Christian young man and a (Muslim) girl from the village.
According to an eyewitness, a large number of villagers gathered and surrounded several Coptic houses — even those belonging to families who had no relation whatsoever to the young man accused. The attackers threw stones at the houses, breaking doors and windows, and set fire to agricultural land owned by Copts. The situation descended into chaos and panic, without reason prevailing or the law being respected.
Security forces later intervened to clamp down the attacks.
The witness added that the attacks caused a state of extreme fear among Coptic residents, especially women and children, amid repeated cries for help.
He continued, saying that moments of coexistence among the village’s residents suddenly turned into feelings of hatred, which manifested in violence against the Copts, with no regard for shared living and community ties.
Bishoy, the young man in question, who is barely 18, has a sister, Raymonda, 17. She used to make her school home-work with a Muslim colleague, Basma, in either family’s house. Some villagers thought that Bishoy and Basma were in a relationship.
The incident has created severe tension within the village, with fears of renewed attacks despite the security forces’ control of the situation. Coptic families expressed concern that their children could face harassment while going to school, leading many to temporarily keep them at home.
Investigations are still ongoing, with growing calls for the arrest of those who incited or carried out the attacks and for all those responsible to be held accountable. Many stressed that the law must be the ultimate authority, and that attempts by extremists to impose “justice” with their own hands are unacceptable in a state governed by law.
Observers believe that the recurrence of such incidents in Minya is due to the failure to apply the law and the reliance on informal “customary reconciliation.” They point out that the absence of accountability in previous incidents — such as the nearby village of Ashrouba — has encouraged repeated attacks.
The events resulted in significant damage to numerous homes belonging to Copts who had no connection to the accused young man. Security forces eventually intervened to contain the situation and restore calm. Meanwhile, Copts continue to demand the fair application of the law and the punishment of those who incite sectarian strife and chaos, to preserve social peace.
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Abridged translation from:
