At least one Egyptian Coptic Christian was killed on Wednesday in clashes between police and more than 2000 Copts over a decision to stop construction of a new church in the Giza area of Cairo, witnesses and security sources said.
The violence also left two seriously injured, claimed a medical source.
Security said over 100 protesters were detained in Giza. Several police and protesters received minor injuries in the protest.
Police fired tear gas to break up the demonstration.
Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypt's 79 million-strong population and often complain about unfair treatment in the Muslim-majority country.
Church permits are often a source of tension, as Christians say they are not given the same freedom to build places of worship as Muslims.
The Coptic protesters blocked the road near the Giza governor's office.
Egyptian newspapers said the authorities had sought to stop work on the church because it did not have a permit.
The Copts said they did secure permission and were continuing to work without machinery, which was being blocked from entering the site, the reports said.
