The government issued a warning on Sunday that anyone stirring up sectarian strife would be dealt with decisively, with the Minister of Justice Mohamed Abdulaziz al-Gindy stating that those found guilty would recieve the death penalty for their actions.
The announcement comes in response to the sectarian clashes in Imbaba on Saturday night, in which ten people died, 186 were injured and two churches set on fire.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the Council of Ministers at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Gindy said, "The government will enforce certain articles in the penal code and the anti-terrorism law, stipulating that thuggery and sectarian incitement are to be punished by the death penalty."
He emphasised the determination of the authorities to take command of the situation, saying, "The government’s hand is neither shaky nor weak, and if there exists a minority of deviants, then they must be given the most severe punishment."
Gindy explained that the government would remain in session to discuss the security situation following the events in Imbaba and that it would not resort to any special procedures or apply the Emergency Law as the current procedures are sufficient to deter outlaws.
He pointed out that the armed forces and police had arrested a number of suspects.
He also stressed that the government would not ban the media from reporting on the incident as it is a subject of public interest.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
